MARINE SAR

The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is a major player in Canada's national search and rescue (SAR) response network. Annually, the Auxiliary responds to approximately 25% of nearly 7000 marine SAR incidents. This translates into more than 200 lives saved each year.

The territory covered by the CCGA is vast. Canada's area of responsibility stretches over 5.3 million square kilometers, bordering some of the most rugged coastline in the world.

In addition, the CCGA is also present on many of Canada's major inland waterways. Its units are especially concentrated within those high risk areas where the requirements are greatest.

In a SAR system, it is essential that a sufficient number of rescue boats be available to provide the best coverage so that they may go immediately to the scene of an accident. Reaction has to be fast - lives depend on it.