Becoming a volunteer in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 14 Gibsons, Sunshine Coast BC.

Being a volunteer in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Unit 14 Gibsons requires a lot of hard work and serious commitment, but the satisfaction of a successful search, involvement in community events or educating the public on boating safety can be extremely rewarding.

There are various opportunities within the Unit:

· Boating Safety

· Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks

· Vessel Maintenance

· Fundraising

· Search and Rescue Crew

Search and Rescue Crew (SAR Crew) Gibsons, BC

SAR training is the responsibility of the Unit, and we will train SAR crews to CCG standards.

Desirable Entry standards and Qualifications:

· Good physical condition.

· Completed CCGA Application Form.

· Criminal record check. (Available at no charge; specify that you are applying to join the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 14 Gibsons, BC)  

· Live within 15 minutes of Gibsons Landing.

· Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate, (VHF Marine) RROC

· Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, PCOC

· Standard First Aid and CPR(C)

· Boating experience

· Local knowledge

***You may not have all of the above qualifications, but...not to worry! As long as you have a sense of adventure, camaraderie and are willing to put in the work, CCGA Unit 14 Gibsons will provide the basic entry qualification training.

CCGA Unit 14 Gibsons provides SAR coverage 24 / 7. Crew must be willing be on call during the day and night.  Many of our members have full time jobs; therefore carrying a pager for a full 24 hours is unrealistic. Duty rosters are formed around crews submitted availability. Crews are broken into day shift and night shift.  You may submit as much availability as you wish, but we ask that you submit at least 1 week of availability per month. 

Boating Safety Crew & Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks

Boating Safety members receive training in the small vessel regulations, the Canada Shipping Act and other relevant statutes. These members are certified to conduct Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks (PCCC) and perform a public education role. These members also partake in boating safety education through boat shows, community events, and on occasion, special training sessions with the public and other emergency service organizations. Applicants should have basic marine training such as the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron's Seamanship course.

Desirable Entry standards and Qualifications

· Completed CCGA Application Form.

· Criminal record check. (Available at no charge; specify that you are applying to join the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 14 Gibsons, BC)

· Restricted Radio Operator's Certificate, (VHF Marine) RROC

· Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, PCOC

Vessel Maintenance

Rescue vessels are in constant need of attention.  From Weekly vessel and equipment inspections to quarterly oil changes, the list of things to do within the unit is constantly evolving.  Fresh ideas and experience are welcomed.

Fundraising

The Elphinstone Marine Rescue Society fundraises for Unit 14 on the Sunshine Coast BC. This fundraising goes towards buying new equipment for the vessel and crew.  Energetic people are always needed to continue ongoing fundraising programs, while new creative ideas are always welcomed.