The primary role of 442 Squadron is the provision of aviation resources in support of the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) in the Victoria Search and Rescue Region.

This region consists of approximately 920,000 square kilometers of mainly mountainous terrain of Yukon and British Columbia and 560,000 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean extending to approximately 600 nautical miles offshore including over 27,000 kilometers of rugged British Columbia coastline. The rugged and often inaccessible terrain, severe weather, and large expanses of sparsely populated areas make the Victoria SRR the most demanding region in the country. To this end, 442 Squadron maintains one Buffalo Aircraft and one Cormorant helicopter on continuous standby at 19 Wing.

While approximately 80 of the Squadron's strength of 200 are aircrew trades, including pilots, navigators, flight engineers, search & rescue technicians (SAR Techs) and Administration Staff, the majority, or some 120, are maintenance personnel, charged with keeping the fleet of eleven Aircraft at peak operational readiness.

On occasions when major search operations dictate the establishment of a forward operating base somewhere in the province, 442's maintenance personnel will deploy with the aircrew, providing servicing and repairs to Aircraft on site.