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The National Search and Rescue Secretariat

The mandate of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) is to coordinate, promote and review the National Search and Rescue Program (NSP). The NSS also manages the New Search and Rescue (SAR) Initiatives Fund. The NSS is an independent agent of the government, reporting to the Lead Minister for SAR, the Minister of National Defence.

History

• In 1982, off the coast of Newfoundland, the Ocean Ranger oil rig capsized, killing 84 people. A Royal Commission was formed to look into the incident and to make recommendations on improving Canada's search and rescue system. As a result, in 1986, the NSS was formed in order to act as a centre for search and rescue coordination and promotion in Canada.

The Role Of The NSP

• The NSP's mission is to improve SAR prevention and response by coordinating, supporting, promoting and reviewing the activities of the federal and non-federal agencies that provide SAR services to people in distress throughout Canada's areas of jurisdiction.
  
  
• The NSP encompasses the air, ground and marine SAR activities of all levels of government, corporate and volunteer sectors, and a vast array of organizations and programs. The NSP focus is on providing information, applying technology, conducting research, preventing SAR incidents from occurring and saving lives of people at risk.
  
  
• Within the federal government, six departments are directly involved in programs related to SAR.
  
  
• Non-federal SAR policy and programs are the responsibility of individual provinces and territories and are coordinated by the police force of jurisdiction.

NSS Highlights

• The New SAR Initiatives Fund (NIF)
  The NIF was established to provide funding for projects that will enhance search and rescue in Canada. Each year the fund approves approximately 100 projects - 50 new projects and 50 continuing projects (for up to 3 years).
  
  
• COSPAS-SARSAT
  This international satellite organization maintains the communications satellites used for search and rescue around the world. The Executive Director of the NSS is the head of the Canadian delegation for COSPAS-SARSAT.
  
  
• Canadian Beacon Registry
  The NSS is home to this registry which keeps track of EPIRBs and PLBs.
  
  
• SARSCENE Workshops
  Since 1992, the NSS has co-hosted annual Sarscene Workshops with local SAR organizations to provide a forum for search and rescue providers from across Canada.
  
  
• SARSCENE Magazine
  The NSS produces a national, bilingual quarterly magazine which has a readership of over 15 000 and is Canada's only search and rescue magazine.

For more information, please contact:

Tina Bouchard
Chief Client Services
National Search and Rescue Secretariat
4^th Floor Standard Life Building
275 Slater Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0K2

1-800-727-9414 or (613) 992-8215