How We Work

Our 30+ unit members - men and women - are all volunteers based on Salt Spring Island. We are ready 24h/d and 365d/yr to respond to emergencies in our local marine area. We are trained and equipped to successfully tackle anything we may encounter. The marine environment can be hazardous, and the Gulf Islands an extremely active area for boaters, many of whom are Salt Spring Island residents. Our vessel is therefore well-equipped and in good repair. Our volunteers are provided with the use of gear and equipment to help ensure the highest levels of quality and safety.

We regularly participate in co-training with the land-based Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue, neighbouring Marine SAR Units and the Canadian Coast Guard unit on the CCGS Cape Naden based in Ganges Harbour.

OUR FAST RESPONSE VESSEL

Station 25 operates a Titan 249XL Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), the Amarah Gabriel based in Vesuvius Harbour, powered by twin 225 HP Yamaha outboard engines and which can reach speeds in excess of 40 nautical miles/hour.

On board behind the helm position are GPS/chartplotter and radar consoles, a self-righting system, a tow assembly, VHF radios, a dewatering pump, searchlights, first aid equipment, an automated external defibrillator, a buoyant stretcher and other essential marine SAR and safety equipment.

Marine Safety Education and Community Engagement

RCMSAR Junior Crew Training Program

Each year, RCMSAR 25 offers a Junior Crew Program in co-operation with Gulf Islands Secondary School. Up to 8 senior high school students each year can apply to the program through GISS’s Work Experience course. For more information, please click here.

Safe Boating for Schools – visits to elementary schools on Salt Spring Island and some outer islands to expose children K to 5 to the essentials of safe boating – in 2019 about 350 students were engaged.

Kids Don’t Float - ensuring a supply of freely available children's PFDs (personal flotation devices) at local marinas and docks. We are presently established at Centennial and Kanaka docks in Ganges, at the Fulford Harbour and Fernwood docks, and at the BC Parks dock in Montague Harbour.

Courtesy Safety Checks - on request annually at local marinas and sailing clubs based on Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.