Everyone at RCM-SAR Station 1 – West Vancouver
is a volunteer.

Feel free to apply,  we will contact you and keep
your application on file for the next intake.

recruitment@rcmsar01.ca

Becoming an active crew member on search and rescue missions requires specific skills, training, and commitment above all. New crew members are selected by our Recruitment Team.

Becoming a supporting member involves attending community events and fundraising to support the station.   Requirements are provided below.

RCM SAR Station 1 – Volunteer Commitment Expectations

As a volunteer crew member with RCM SAR Station 1, you play a crucial role in marine search and rescue. To maintain operational readiness and ensure crew safety, the following commitments are required:

1. Scheduled Duty Shifts

• Weeknight Shift (Every Other Week)
  • On Call: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM
  • On-Water Training: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Weekend Shift (Once Every Few Weeks)
  • On Call: Friday 6:00 PM – Monday 6:00 AM
  • On-Water Training: Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

You will be scheduled based on your provided availability. You’re expected to be at the boat within 15 minutes of a callout. If you are unable to fulfill your scheduled duty or training, it is your responsibility to find coverage from another member of equal or higher crew level.

2. Additional Participation Expectations

• Monthly Station Meeting: One Wednesday per month
• Skills & Drills Training: Two weeks after the station meeting
• Boat Maintenance: All crew members participate in maintaining our vessels
• Fundraising: Volunteers are encouraged to assist in efforts to fund gear replacement and operational costs
• Community Engagement and Outreach

Your commitment ensures that RCM SAR Station 1 remains operationally ready and capable of responding to emergencies. Thank you for your dedication to saving lives on the water.

Requirements for joining as search and rescue crew:

1. – Pleasure Craft Operator’s Certificate (PCOC)
2. – Restricted Radio Operator’s Certificate (RROC)
3. – Standard First Aid and CPR-C
4. – Criminal Record Check (Also required for supporting member)
5. – Able to commit to regular weekly training (classroom and and on-water)
6. – Reliable and able to commit to be on call for multiple 12-hour shifts per week
7. – Live within 15 minutes of the Horseshoe Bay Station.
8. – Capable of handling the physical demands of SAR operations in all sea and weather conditions
9. – Able to make a two-year commitment to the station (Also required for supporting member)
10. – Able to provide 2 references (Also required for supporting member)
11. – Boating experience and knowledge of the local waters around West Vancouver

Some of our crew members eventually become coxswains and are responsible for the safe operation of the boat on rescue missions. Coxswains receive additional training at the RHIOT School in Bamfield and at the regional RCM-SAR headquarters in Sooke on Vancouver Island.

Requirements for joining as support crew:

1. Criminal Record Check
2. Able to commit to monthly meetings
3. Be available for fund raising events and PR activities
4. Able to provide 2 references