SAREX - Search And Rescue Exercise

Once a year CCGA units from Sooke, Victoria, Oak Bay, Sidney and Mill Bay get together for the annual SAR Exercise. The units primary response vessels and other owner operated CCGA boats take part in the day long event. The Canadian Coast Guard, US Coast Guard, and the Canadian Forces 433 Squadron from Comox have also been involved in the past. The event is organized by one of the Auxiliary units on a rotating basis. In 1995, it was Unit 36 (Sidney) and 1996, it was Unit 34 (Mill Bay). The exercise normally consists of several Search and Rescue scenarios. At the start, boat crews are usually "tasked" to respond to an "incident" in progress. The "incidents" will test the crews communication, navigation, first aid and seaman-ship abilities. Murphy's Law takes over for some unfortunate crews and results can be unpredictable. After all the dust settles there is a debriefing session where the responses to the "incidents" are discussed. The exercise should be approached as a learning experience; skills learned will help during real incidents. Our unit may have several vessels involved in the exercise (the Oak Bay Sea Rescue and possibly member vessels). The Training Officer assists with the organization of crews for each vessel and will call all persons involved when exact times are known. You can expect to leave Oak Bay Marina around 0700h for a start time in Sidney at 0900h. The event should be over by 1500h. New members are particularly encouraged to sign up for this exercise. Copyright © 2000-2001 - Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society Updated: