Canadian Coast Guard
Inshore Rescue Boat Program - Background InformationBase Locations
Job Responsibilities and Duties
Job Requirements - what you need to apply
Experience
Coxswain (IRB Crew Supervisor) positions
Conditions of Employment
How do I apply
Regional IRB Operations
Background Information
The Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program was initially established in the mid 1970s as part of the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) initiative. The goal of this government sponsored program was to provide employment experience and mentorship to post secondary students. This initiative provided students with exposure to "real-life" experiences in various aspects of government operations while earning a wage to help pay for tuition.
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) continues to hire and train candidates each summer, through the FSWEP program, to become members of an IRB crew. Selected candidates are trained in Search and Rescue operations by CCG regional staff and following successful completion of training, are assigned as crewmembers to IRB stations. Normally, each station is staffed with one (1) Coxswain in charge and two (2) IRB crews.
In some regions, Coxswains are experienced members of the CCG Fleet. In others, the Coxswain is a returning student with one or more work terms experience as an IRB Crewmember.
Base Locations
The CCG operates 24 IRB Stations in 5 regions in Canada.
Region 1 - Newfoundland & Labrador (Notre Dame Bay, Conception
Bay, Bonavista Bay)
Region 2 - Maritimes (Shediac, Charlottetown, Pictou, Saint John,
Mahone Bay, Halifax)
Region 3 - Quebec (Valleyfield, Oka, Beaconsfield, Longueuil,
Sorel, Trois-Rivieres)
Region 4 - Central and Arctic (Britt on Gereaux Island, Honey
Harbour, Port Lambton, Long Point, Hill Island, Thames River)
Region 5 - Pacific (Nootka Island, Telegraph Cove, Cortes Island)
The IRB Program consisted of twenty-four (24) strategically placed stations
across Canada. Each station was equipped with a six (6) to eight (8) meters Fast
Rescue Craft (FRC) capable of operating at speeds in excess of 24 knots.
Job Responsibilities and Duties
Working on the water during the summer as part of an IRB crew can be a very challenging
but rewarding job. The job comes with serious responsibilities: Search and rescue
(SAR) operations can occur at any time of the day or night, during all types of
weather and sea conditions.
IRB crews are tasked to respond and provide assistance to mariners in distress or
need of assistance by a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) or a Maritime Rescue
Sub-Centre (MRSC). Some of these types of incidents may include:
Vessel on fire;
Vessel aground;
Vessel disabled and broken down;
Vessel taking on water;
Vessel capsized;
Vessel lost in the fog;
Person overboard; and
Medical emergencies.
In addition to responding to distress calls, IRB crews also provide public education
on boating safety. Topics can include:
Personal Floatation Devices;
Hypothermia;
Equipment that Every Boat Needs;
Proposed Changes to the Required Equipment;
Personal Watercraft Use;
Rules of Navigation;
Boating Restrictions and Regulations; and
Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks (PCCC).
The CCG offers PCCCs as a service to the public. These no cost examinations are beneficial because they sensitize boaters to the safety equipment that is required on board their vessel, as well as keep them abreast of any changes to the regulations.
Job Requirements - what you need to apply
To apply to the CCG’s IRB program, you must be a full-time post secondary student in an accredited institution and be returning to full-time studies in your next academic term. These are the eligibility criteria set out by the FSWEP.
Students who wish to apply as “crew” for the IRB program MUST meet the following
criteria:
1. hold a valid Driver's License (automobile);
(No legal restriction on the use or operation of a motor vehicle).
2. hold a valid Standard First-Aid Certificate;
3. hold a valid CPR LEVEL C Course Certificate (eight hours);
4. hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card; and
5. hold a VHF Digital Selective Call (DSC) Restricted Maritime Radio Operator's Certificate.
Note: Candidates must be fluent in French to work in Quebec region and fluent in English to work in all other regions.
Other Certificates:
6. Bronze cross swimming qualification (required for Newfoundland & Labrador region).
FOR THE QUEBEC REGION, THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION IS ALSO REQUIRED :
7. A certificate from a boating course covering such subjects as chart work, coastal
navigation, basic seamanship, etc.
Note: Candidates must be able to provide their certificate from
a boating course no later than the commencement of IRB training (required for
Quebec Region).
Coxswain (IRB Crew Supervisor) positions:
To apply for employment as a Coxswain, you must have at least one season of experience
as a crew member in the IRB program. In some regions preference may be given
to candidates with two (2) work terms of IRB crew experience. For more detail
see your selected region's requirements.
Conditions of Employment
Training
In general, student IRB training begins shortly after the end of the preceding school year. Training requirements vary between regions, but are generally provided by regional CCG staff over a one to two week period. Topics such as boat handling and seamanship, local coastal navigation, search and rescue operations (search techniques, communications, etc.) and more are covered. Upon completion of the training period, crewmembers are then assigned to an IRB station (See note below).
Note: The CCG reserves the right to post students to stations as required, as IRB operational requirements can change from year to year.
Pay during training:
Information regarding pay and the provision of accommodations during training will be provided by regional CCG staff during the interview process.
In 2007, students were paid in accordance with Treasury Board Guidelines:
Student rates of pay:
Crewmember: $13.13/hour
Boat Coxswain: $17.17/hour
Hours of Work:
Hours of work vary according to region, but generally consist of seven (7) to
twelve (12) hour days,
on a 7 or 14 days worked / 7 or 14 days off basis, depending on the region. As previously
mentioned, each station is normally staffed with two (2) IRB crews. While one crew
is working, the other crew is on days of rest.
Note: Information regarding hours of work, pay, training and accommodations, will
be provided by regional CCG staff during the interview process.
How do I apply?
The deadline to apply for a position with the CCG's IRB can vary on the
region but normally is at the beginning of the year.
Apply on line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm
Regional IRB Operations
In general, IRB crews and stations operate in a similar way across the country
however, regional operational variances between each region do exist. Factors such
as the type and volume of boating activity, geography and environmental conditions,
as well as the availability of CCG Fleet personnel, have an impact on IRB resources
and operational requirements.
Further information on region-specific IRB operations can be found below:
Since employment opportunities for the IRB program are in the regions, sometimes in remote locations, it is necesary to identify your choice(s) of region(s) / work location(s) or IRB station(s) under the SKILLS section of the FSWEP application to ensure that your application will be properly considered.
Newfoundland & Labrador Region
(Notre Dame Bay, Conception
Bay, Bonavista Bay)
Maritimes Region (Shediac, Charlottetown, Pictou, Saint John,
Mahone Bay, Halifax)
Quebec Region (Valleyfield, Oka, Beaconsfield, Longueuil,
Sorel, Trois-Rivieres)
Central and Arctic Region (Britt on Gereaux Island, Honey
Harbour, Port Lambton, Long Point, Hill Island, Thames River)
Pacific Region (Nootka Island, Telegraph Cove, Cortes Island)
Newfoundland & Labrador
IRB Training
When:
IRB crewmembers – Two (2) weeks prior to Victoria Day
long weekend.
Coxswains - three (3) weeks prior to Victoria Day
long weekend.
Where:
Location to be confirmed during interview process.
Training facility availability/location to be confirmed in
spring 2008.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodation.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period.
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Saturday of Victoria
Day long weekend.
Season ends: Monday following the
Labour Day long weekend
Work Schedule: 14 days of work followed by 14 days of rest.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodation.
(see note).
Coxswains: These positions are filled by CCG Fleet personnel and
students with preferably two (2) work terms or more of
Inshore Rescue Boat crew experience.
Bronze Cross: Preference may be given
to those candidates with a
Bronze Cross swimming qualification.
Note: Accommodations may be provided at remote IRB base locations.
Further details will be provided by regional CCG staff during interview.
Application deadline: Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm
Contact Information:
Canadian Coast Guard
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
Southside Base
5667 St John's, Newfoundland
A1C 5X1
Stephen Sheppard: sheppardsn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
SAR Training Officer
Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I.)
IRB Training
When:
Early May to mid-May
Where:
Dartmouth CCG Base
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodation.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period
(8 hrs/per day).
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Saturday of Victoria
Day long weekend.
Season ends: Tuesday following
the Labour Day long weekend.
Work Schedule: 7 days of work followed by 7 days of rest.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their accommodation.
Coxswains: These
positions are open to students with preferably
two (2) work terms or more of Inshore Rescue Boat
experience.
Application deadline: Thursday February 14, 2008
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm
Contact Information:
Canadian Coast Guard (Maritimes Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
Dartmouth Base
27 Parker Street
P.O. Box 1000 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 3Z8
Phillip Walker: WalkerP@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
SAR Prepardness Officer.
Quebec
IRB Training
When:
May 10-22, 2008 (training)
Where:
Quebec CCG Base in Quebec
Accommodations: Laval University for logging and DND for meals.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period.
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Thursday,
May 29, 2008
Season ends: Monday
night of the Labour Day long weekend
Work Schedule: To be confirmed during interview.
Accommodations: Students are responsible for their
accommodation.
expenses (see note).
Coxswains:
These positions are open to students with preference given to those with two (2)
work terms or more of Inshore Rescue Boat crew experience in Quebec.
Note: Further details regarding pay during the training period and accommodations
during the IRB operational season will be provided by regional Canadian Coast Guard
staff during the interview.
Application deadline: Thursday January 24, 2008
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm
To be considered for the Quebec region, you must select Montreal as the region that includes the six (6) rescue stations as well as all codes for the other certificates.
Students who apply for employment with the FSWEP in the Quebec region will need to send a copy of their application as crew member along with certificates and/or proof of enrolment confirming that they possess all qualifications corresponding to the essential requirements before January 24, 2008 at the following address:
Contact Information:
Canadian Coast Guard
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
Attn: Robert Jinchereau, Supervisor
101, Champlain Boulevard, 3rd floor.
Quebec (Quebec)
G1K 7Y7
Telephone: (418) 648-5330 Fax:
(418) 648-5169
Robert Jinchereau: JinchereauR@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Karine Harvey: harveyka@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
or
Susie Delisle: delisles@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Sandra Egesborg: egesborgs@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Web-Site: http://www.marinfo.gc.ca/en/Emplois/RechEtSauv.asp
Central and Arctic Canada (Great Lakes area)
IRB Training
When:
Normally starts the first week of May for approximately ten (10) to twelve (12)
days.
Where:
Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario.
Accommodations:
Provided during
training with a daily meal allowance.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period.
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Tuesday
before Victoria Day long weekend.
Season ends: Tuesday following
the Labour Day long weekend.
Work Schedule: (14) day cycles - two (2) weeks on,
followed by
two (2) weeks off.
Accommodations: Provided with a daily meal allowance.
Coxswains:
These positions are open to students with preference given to those with two (2) work terms
or more of Inshore
Rescue Boat experience.
Application deadline: Monday January 7, 2008
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm
Contact Information:
Canadian Coast Guard (Central & Arctic Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
520 Exmouth Street, Sarnia, Ontario
N7T 8B1
Terry Crofton: croftont@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
SAR Operations Officer
Web-Site:
http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/cen-arc/sar-res/irbp-pbsc/index_e.htm
Pacific
IRB Training
When:
Begins last week of May 2008 for approx. 14 days.
Where:
Victoria CCG Base and Cortes Bay, B.C.
Accommodations: Provided during
training period with a daily meal
allowance.
Pay:
Students are paid during the training period.
Additional Information and Employment Conditions:
Season start: Thursday June
3,
2008
Season ends: Tuesday following
the Labour Day long weekend.
Work Schedule: (14) day cycles - two (2) weeks on,
followed by
two (2) weeks off.
Accommodations: Provided with a daily meal allowance.
Coxswains:
These positions are filled by Canadian Coast Guard
(CCG) Fleet
sea-going personnel only.
Application deadline: Thursday January 31, 2008
Apply on-line at:
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/srp-fswep-pfete/index_e.htm
Contact Information:
Canadian Coast Guard (Pacific Region)
Search & Rescue / Inshore Rescue Boat Program (IRB)
SAR Training Office
25 Huron Street
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 4V9
Alison Keighan:
keighana@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
SAR Program Specialist
Web-Site: http://www.pacific.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/sar/index_e.htm
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