Junior Members

We are excited to welcome 4 members into our Fall 2023 juniors program. This is the first time the program has run for over 10 years. The future looks good.

Meet the Crew

Today’s crew is our newest Advanced Crew member,

Amber Cottle.
Member since: October, 2017
Amber is a certified dog trainer and behavior specialist/business owner. She has owned and operated a dog training centre in Delta since June 2003.
Favorite thing with SAR is: There are so many great things about volunteering with SAR. I would say my most favorite thing is the bond we have with each other as Crew members and the unwavering dedication to Crew safety and well-being.
Most memorable thing is: I have lots of great memories but one that stands out is a training exercise on the KM in Welcome Pass in pitch black darkness, in the dead of winter, with 25 knot winds and rough seas. That was an experience!
Total Class Sessions: 50 (93.5 hours)
Total Missions: 2 (7.02 hours)
Total Sea Trips: 40 (120.27 hours)
Total overall Hours: 324 hours
Quote: “I have spent most of my life in the ocean surfing and riding waves but very little time on the water in a boat. I have a healthy respect and understanding of the power of the ocean. I was completely out of my comfort zone when I started with SAR but thanks to the patience and dedication of the members of station 12, I have gained so much more confidence and as a result, achieved Advanced Crew status.”
Crew – working with such an amazing group of individuals
Craft – Experiencing the incredible efficiency and safety of our vessels
Mission – giving back to the community

Meet the Crew

Crew highlight of the week.

Today’s crew is our newest Coxswain and New Crew Training Officer,

John Howcroft
Member since: October 15, 2018
John is an Account Manager with a National Commercial Printer. John likes to go out hiking every Saturday and Sunday morning in the mountains with his two best doggie friends Si & Beula
Favorite thing with SAR is: Navigating and instructing fellow crew members on using Charts and the various ways to Navigate. Also I love BBQ covers after spending so much time under one to practice navigating in Restricted Visibility
Most memorable thing is: To numerous to contemplate but I would say it’s being with such a diverse group of crewmembers and enjoying the time with them all. Also with all the time and training the Coxswains put in so I could go to RHIOT (and not being called Pops by the other trainees) and also getting to CLll-B to become a Coxswain in such a short time.
Total Class Sessions: 94 (207 hours)
Total Missions: 12 (31 hours)
Total Sea Trips: 105 (297 hours)
Total overall Hours: 668
Quote: “Nothing better than being out in an open RHIB in the middle of the winter with high seas and the rain pelting down on you. But seriously it’s the close bond I have come to have with my SAR team members is truly a gift.”
Crew – Look out for each other, Be Safe, Share the knowledge
Craft – To be ready and safe
Mission – Be trained and prepared for all conditions
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Search training

Training opportunities 

Training 10:48 Wed Dec 21, we departed Secret Cove boat house, at Welcome pass we met SE 15-25 knot winds, 3 feet seas with the occasional 5 footer. Peter H was at the helm , there was some wind driven spray come over the port side of the boat as we headed for the northwest side Merry Island, the lee side.

We relaxed for a few minutes, Peter H had done great job, maintained speed and kept the ride smooth, good on the sticks for heavy weather handling. At 11:20 Randal E took over, we were one cable off the shore and followed the west side of Merry Island passing the south cardinal buoy on our port heading towards Sargent’s Bay.

We got more involved with our electronics knowing there were Coast Guard vessels already involved. Our AIS search found the Cape Cockburn. It was a couple of miles out of Selma Park breakwater heading towards it. At 11:37 we headed towards Selma Park. As we approached we saw the Cape Cockburn and to aft what looked like a boat being towed. As we got closer we realized it was an orca. 12:00 The Cape Cockburn took the whale from a stern tow to an along side and moved closer to the shoreline. The Department of Fisheries had their RHIB there who took the hand off and moved the whale to the shore.

At 12:25 Sue B took over helm. Now we had following seas for the ride home, the wind had come down a bit . We had a great ride where Sue got to practice heavy weather handling. Back at the boat house at 12:08 it was a good day with a good team. Always good to practice what we know in more challenging situations.

Dave Brown, Coxswain

“The Sechelt Nation is very thankful for all the efforts that RCMSAR12 contributed today. Between DOF and the Cape Cockburn from French Creek it was towed to Selma Park breakwater..”

Peter Forster, Deputy Station Leader