The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue

Purpose

RCMSAR is committed to best practices and adapting to changes in SAR techniques that are often developed in other parts of the world. Events such as the refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea have led to innovations in mass rescue operations that North American SAR agencies can learn from. This congress is a generational opportunity for Canada-based volunteer and professional SAR agencies (Canadian and US Coast Guards) to exchange information and establish collaboration protocols that can lead to reduced gaps in SAR coverage. Ensuring access to participation through registration and accommodation funding will demonstrate the commitment to proficiency and access to international expertise for our on-water SAR simulation crews and other deserving volunteers is an important aspect of volunteer retention and training for RCMSAR as the host of the this event. Participation of CCGA volunteers from across Canada will provide an introduction to international expertise and they will be able to take lessons learned back to their regions. Without financial support for registration, volunteers from British Columbia (RCMSAR) and CCGA (rest of Canada) may not have the ability to take advantage of this opportunity that is the largest of its kind in the world and in North America for the first time. It is important to note that the success of WRMC is not contingent on funding from Public Safety Canada and the overall budget does not include this as a forecasted revenue.