The Search and Rescue Interagency Frequency (SAR-IF) is a national radio communications channel that Industry Canada has made available in support of on-site search and rescue (SAR) operations. Since Canada's SAR system relies on a diversity of air, marine, and ground resources working together to save lives, the SAR-IF provides a critical communications link between first responders, enhancing operational safety and effectiveness.

To find out more about the SAR-IF, click here. To read about the terms and conditions, click here.

Members of the ISAR 2004 Organizing Committee were recently presented with the USCG Meritorious Team Commendation Award. The award was presented to highlight the dedication, pride, and professionalism displayed by the ISAR committee and support team. The Canadian members receiving the award are: CCG - Andre Audet, Mike Voigt, Joe Murphy, Brian Stone, Dan Frampton, Neil Peet, Andy Maillet, Steve Daoust and John Palliser - CCGA- Gary Masson, Michael Richardson, Frank Mc Laughlin, Francois Vezina and Jeremy Wagg. Click here to read the citation.

The six CCGA Associations have signed a five-year Contribution Agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard. The signing ceremony took place in Ottawa on March 28. Click here to view pictures of the signing ceremony.

After its initial implementation in the CCGA Pacific region, the SMS (SAR Management System) is being gradually introduced in the Quebec and Central and Arctic regions. To find out more about the SMS, click here to view the SMS Training Video.

Click here to see the video.

The National Search and Rescue Secretariat presented their annual Outstanding Search and Rescue Achievement Award as well as four Certificates of Achievement in SAR on October 20 in Victoria, British Columbia. The presentations were made at an awards banquet which closed SARSCENE 2007, the annual SAR conference.

The Outstanding SAR Achievement Award for 2007 was awarded to the Canadian Coast Guard Rescue Specialist Coordinators Working Group.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Rescue Specialist Coordinators Working Group members are:
Bob Ayres (Pacific), Mark Gagnon (C&A), Terry Crofton (C&A),
Claude Demers (Quebec), Steve Harrie (Maritimes),
Sarah Hughes (NCR) and Dave Griffiths (N&L).

The International Cospas-Sarsat System will cease satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz beacons from 1 February 2009. All beacon owners and users should begin taking steps to replace their 121.5/243 MHz beacons with 406 MHz beacons as soon as possible. A good time to consider purchasing a 406 MHz beacon is when the battery on your 121.5/243 MHz beacon
needs replacing. Typically, batteries need replacing about
every five years. The sooner you upgrade, the better the
service that the Cospas-Sarsat System can provide you if
your beacon is activated in a distress event.

Beginning in 2009, only 406 MHz beacons will be detected by
the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. This affects all maritime
beacons (EPIRBs), all aviation beacons (ELTs) and all personal
beacons (PLBs).

For more information, visit the Cospas-Sarsar Web Site.

Members of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Central and Arctic Region were recognized at the Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBA) night.

Nancee and Jim Adams of the CCGA, C&A Region's District 4, were presented with the 2007 CASBA Award as the "Top Volunteers Dedicated to Boating Safety".

Nancee and Jim Adams have been involved for many years in the promotion of boating safety through their involvement with both the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons.

Nancee Adams is currently the Director of Communications with the Auxiliary for the region and is the District Boating Safety Coordinator for the Auxiliary's District 4. Jim Adams is the Coordinator of the Bobbie the Safety Boat Program for the region.

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