Saving lives on the Sunshine Coast
About Us
Station 12
RCMSAR Station 12 is proud to carry on the tradition of volunteer lifeboats on the coast. We respond to distress calls including medical emergencies, disabled vessels, persons in the water, and shoreline searches—often in remote locations and challenging coastal conditions. As marine traffic and year-round coastal use increase, timely, well-equipped response matters more than ever.
SCMRS
The Sunshine Coast Marine Rescue Society (SCMRS) is the supporting financial body behind RCMSAR Station 12. Community donations and fundraising help fund training, equipment, fuel, and the day-to-day costs required to keep our rescue capability mission-ready. SCMRS also helps sustain long-term readiness by supporting maintenance, upgrades, and ongoing operational needs.
Mission
Our mission is saving lives on the water. We provide 24/7/365 coverage and are ready to assist during all types of marine emergencies—day or night, in all seasons. Our service is delivered by highly trained, dedicated volunteers who freely give their time to those in need, supported by ongoing training and a strong commitment to safety.
Vision & Values
Our vision is excellence in community-based marine safety. The core of our operations is built on safety, volunteerism, professionalism, community, and trust—values that guide how we train, respond, and serve our region. These principles shape our decisions on the water and our relationships with partners and the public.
2025 by the numbers
IIn 2025, Station 12 responded to 19 missions totaling 160.85 person-hours, saving 3 lives and assisting 15 others. Our team contributed over 2,160 volunteer hours, including 673.75 person-hours of on-water training, supported by weekly in-class sessions and regular training runs. These numbers reflect the behind-the-scenes work required to maintain 24/7 readiness.
Our history
In 1978, Canadian volunteer marine search and rescue groups formed the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA), bringing equipment, knowledge, and training together on a national scale. In 2012, the organization was renamed Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue. Station 12 was founded by Jon Churchill in partnership with the Halfmoon Bay Volunteer Fire Department, and today our training is delivered in-house by an experienced and dedicated crew.
Our Rescue Vessels
Station 12 operates two rigid-hull inflatable rescue vessels (RHIBs) positioned in different locations to support fast response across our coverage area.
Ken Moore (Zodiac 753 Hurricane)
Ken Moore is Station 12’s Zodiac 753 Hurricane, built in Delta, BC. Powered by twin Mercury SeaPro 200HP outboards, it seats five crew and is stationed in Secret Cove, positioned to serve the Salish Sea and Malaspina Strait. The vessel is named in honour of Station 12’s first station leader.
Lewis McPhee (Zodiac 733)
Lewis McPhee is a Zodiac 733 powered by twin Mercury SeaPro 150HP outboards. It is stationed in Porpoise Bayand is positioned to serve Sechelt Inlet, Salmon Inlet, and Narrows Inlet. The vessel is named in honour of longtime station members Don Lewis and Walter McPhee.