News & Announcements from RCMSAR

RCMSAR celebrates National Volunteer Week 2021
A message of gratitude to all RCMSAR Volunteers, It is hard to believe that National Volunteer Week 2021 is upon us again from 18 to 24 April. For most of us, it has been a year unlike any other with the challenges imposed by COVID-19 and the restriction it brought....
RCMSAR celebrates Women in Marine Search and Rescue!
From station leaders to coxswains, training officers and support volunteers, we have women learning, leading and training others to save lives. Station 29-Ladysmith's Carol-Ann Kjartanson describes her experience as a Coxswain and Training Officer and shares what you...
Awards Program Carries on Strong
Now in its third year, the RCMSAR awards program has proved a great success, raising awareness of the excellent work done by our volunteers in their local communities, including highlighting innovative new approaches and technologies. those involved in the global...
Donate to RCMSAR
Your contributions help support our volunteer training and our keep our equipment in excellent condition. Donations are also used for prevention programs that save lives on the water before a rescue is needed.
Bill Riggs Joins RCMSAR as CEO
Bill Riggs has joined the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue headquarters team as Chief Executive Officer following a broad nation-wide search. “Bill brings a proven and impressive track record to the position,” said Chris Gouglas, Chairman of the RCMSAR Board of...
RCMSAR Welcomes Interim CEO Ken Burton
As RCMSAR's search for a new CEO gets underway, Captain Ken Burton will be taking on the role of Interim CEO during the transition. Appointed to the RCMSAR Board of Governors in 2015, Captain Burton has stepped down from his position with the Board to be able to act...
RCMSAR bids farewell to CEO Pat Quealey
On July 5, RCMSAR Headquarters staff said a bittersweet goodbye to Chief Executive Officer, Pat Quealey, who is moving on to a new role with the Canadian Red Cross in British Columbia and Yukon. For three years, Pat led RCMSAR with a fierce dedication to mission,...
What’s In a Name? – by John Johnston
What’s in a name? John Johnston shares his experience and the importance of naming RCMSAR vessels to acknowledge contributions of outstanding members and keep their memories alive. At last years SAREX in Sooke, I had the opportunity to work as a dock marshal. Over...
Wild weather keeps RCMSAR busy in February
Last month was the coldest February on record for Vancouver, and the wild weather didn't stop with the frozen temperatures. High winds and unprecedented snowstorms wreaked havoc, and RCMSAR Stations all over the province were called to action. While warmer weather...
Kids Don’t Float Program Wins National Award
On January 20, 2019, SAR Prevention Officer Cathy Dupuis accepted a 2018 Canadian Safe Boating Award on behalf of RCMSAR for Best Boating Safety Initiative at a gala dinner in Toronto.
New SAR Tools for iPhone & Android by Adam Hyde
SAR Tools app creator Adam Hyde shares tips and tricks for using the app’s features, and how to get the very most of this online tool that continues to grow in popularity with marine SAR organizations around the world.
Senate report calls for more support for RCMSAR
A Senate committee recommends more support for Coast Guard auxiliary agencies like RCMSAR.
Real Life Scenarios Highlight of Coast Guard & RCMSAR Training
Station 60 Comox Station Leader Roch Massicotte shares exciting highlights from recent training exercises with the Coast Guard, Powell River Lifeboat, SAR Program Instructors, Tla’amin Nation, RCMP and other RCMSAR volunteers in Powell River and Campbell River.
RCMSAR Board Member Awarded Medal of Excellence
On November 6, the Maritime Museum of BC awarded Jane McIvor, RCMSAR Board Member, the Beaver Medal of Maritime Excellence in a ceremony at Government House in Victoria.
RCMSAR HQ Welcomes New Operations Manager
Amber Sheasgreen makes a big change from Coxswain with Station 64, Prince Rupert to full-time Operations Manager with RCMSAR Headquarters in East Sooke.
Memories Made at SAREX 2018
Ralph Mohrmann, RCMSAR Director of Readiness looks back on SAREX 2018 and the benefits of working together. Picture gallery included!
Volunteer With RCMSAR
Interested in becoming a volunteer? We would love to hear from you.
Contact your local RCMSAR Rescue Station for more information.

From Vancouver’s busy harbour to the remote waters of the North Coast, our volunteer crews are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to marine emergencies. Thanks to the generosity of our partners and donors, we are saving lives on the water.
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