We are the Charity that Saves Lives on the Water
Who We Are
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization that operates more than 30 marine rescue stations along the coast of British Columbia from Vancouver’s busy harbour to the remote waters of the North Coast. RCMSAR is a key part of the marine search and rescue (SAR) system, working in one of the most challenging search and rescue regions in the world. With over 900 volunteers, professionally trained rescue crews are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to immediately respond to marine emergencies at a moment’s notice.
RCMSAR Station 5 is based in Crescent Beach and has been an active presence in our local community since 1998. The unit serves the Semiahmoo Peninsula and the people who enjoy the water from Crescent Beach to the Georgia Straight. The 30 person strong team operates two rigid inflatable hull (RHIB) vessels to train and answer calls, both moored at the Crescent Beach Marina. Local volunteers train weekly, holding marine & first aid certifications, and clocking an average of 250 hours per year in service to our community in addition to over 2000 hours of annual on-call time. The team relies on community support and donations, and holds annual fundraising event to help enable their efforts.
Our Vision & Values
Our vision is excellence in community-based marine safety.
The core of our operations, our values are built on:
- Safety: our top priority and the forefront of all of activities from our Safety Management System to our thorough internal regulatory body and the Safety and Training Board.
- Volunteerism: The spirit of volunteerism and sense of service to communities and individuals in need are at the heart of what motivates our members.
- Professionalism: Our people, the quality of our operations and training, our equipment and our learning culture are all elements of the professionalism that distinguishes RCMSAR.
- Community: We foster connection in the communities in which support our stations and to a broader community of responders who contribute to the safety of people in British Columbia.
- Trust: The continued trust of the people who we serve and of our partners is the greatest measure of our effectiveness.
Meet The RCMSAR 5 Team
With strong governance and management supporting the power and dedication of our volunteers, RCSMAR5 contributes to the safety of people in our community. From teachers and accountants, to nurses and paramedics to young professionals and retired first responders, our team of volunteers are dedicated and making a difference to public awareness and marine safety everyday.
“Being part of this team is a huge commitment, but I do it willingly. The work is so unique and rewarding—with each training experience, mission or event I become more enthusiastic and driven to try more, give more and learn more.”
Volunteer
Interested in becoming a volunteer at a Rescue Station near you? Learn what it takes and what qualifications you need.
Support Our Work
Discover how you can save lives on the water too by supporting RCMSAR. Support volunteer training or help purchase new equipment for a Rescue Station near you.
