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SAR NEWS

National avalanche centre receives federal support
With new federal support, the National Avalanche Centre can start building on avalanche safety programs that will save lives in all areas of Canada where avalanches threaten human activities, says Clair Israelson, Executive Director of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA).
David Anderson, former Minister of Environment, announced three year funding earlier in 2004.
An expansion of the CAA, the National Avalanche Centre will focus on six objectives:

• Co-ordinate public avalanche safety programs
• Provide a public avalanche warning system
• Deliver public avalanche awareness and education problems
• Provide avalanche-related training for amateur backcountry recreationists
• Be the point of contact for public, private and government avalanche information
• Encourage avalanche research

Juan officially retired from list of hurricane names
With urging from Environment Canada, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has retired the hurricane name 'Juan' and has replaced it with 'Joaquin' on its list of names.
This is the first time that Canada has requested the retirement of a hurricane name. The request was made because of the devastation Hurricane Juan caused in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in late September 2003.
Names are usually replaced when a hurricane has caused serious economic impact, loss of life or considerable damage. More than 50 other names have been withdrawn and replaced on the WMO's list.

Smaller, low-cost 406 MHz ELTs now available
A new, smaller and low-cost 406 emergency locator transmitter (ELT) is now on the market. Its lower cost makes it more accessible to small aircraft owners.
Introduced by EMS Technologies, the new ELT weighs 2.1 lbs, has a six-year battery life cycle and has been COSPAS-SARSAT certified to operate at the 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz frequencies. Included on the ELT are a remote switch, a whip antenna and a buzzer to alert crews of accidental activation.
The cost of this new ELT is $998 US.

New approach for boating awareness campaign
The Canadian Safe Boating Awareness Committee, comprised of the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), the Canadian Coast Guard and others, has developed a new program to deliver the safe boating message to communities across the country.
This year's messages focus on personal flotation device wear, safe boating education, dangers of drinking and boating, use of proper safety equipment, navigation rules on the water, weather and other environmental factors that affect boating safety.
"Unlike with previous campaigns," said Ted Rankine, Past President of the CSBC, "I am pleased to report that Safe Boating Week is not over for this year. Its concept, and even its name, was changed to reflect the fact that the safe boating practices we promote during the week should be carried 'onboard' throughout the season."
The key for the program was to develop professional, compelling content and deliver it to Canadian boating safety advocates and the local media.
Newspapers and cable companies continue to deliver boating safety messages to viewers, with tailor-made information to keep their local communities safe on the water.

Little Prince wreckage found after 60 years
The wreckage of author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's military plane was found in early April 2004, almost 60 years after it plunged into the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille, France.
Saint-Exupéry, known for his book, The Little Prince, was on a solo flight in July 1944 when he disappeared.
At the age of 26, Saint-Exupéry became a mail service pilot flying from France to South Africa and helped pioneer mail routes between France and South America. An aviation leader, his experiences are described in his other books, Southern Mail (Courrier sud), Night Flight (Vol de nuit), Flight to Arras (Pilote de guerre), Airman's Odyssey, Wisdom of the Sands, Letter to a Hostage (Lettre à un Otage) and Wind, Sand and Stars (Terre des hommes).
It is not known what caused the 44 year-old veteran pilot to crash.

In July, the Canada Aviation Museum received the first Labrador to enter service 41 years ago. A ceremony was held at the museum to mark the occasion. Left to right: Lorne RodenBush, First Labrador Pilot; Anthony Smyth, Director General of the Canada Aviation Museum; the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Associate Minister of National Defence; Major-General Richard Bastien, Assistant Chief of Air Staff; Jean Murray, Executive Director of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat; and Captain Mark Levesque, last Labrador pilot. The Lab's engines are being converted for use elsewhere in the Canadian Forces.

Labrador helicopters remembered
After 41 years of service as Canada's primary search and rescue (SAR) aircraft, the CH 113 Labradors have retired.
In June, a Lab send-off was held at CFB Trenton, with a demonstration of the Labrador's flying abilities. For the final celebration, two SAR Techs jumped from the Lab at 10,000 feet to land in the Bay of Quinte in front of CFB Trenton. After sending off flares, the pair was picked up by a near-by rescue boat and then hoisted back into the Lab.
The event was hosted by 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, marking the official transition to the CH 149 Cormorant.
On July 27, the Labrador was inducted into the Canada Aviation Museum at a ceremony attended by over 200 people, including The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Associate Minister of National Defence, and Mr. Lorne RodenBush, Honourary Colonel (424 Squadron) and the first Canadian Labrador pilot.

New alerting detection booklet
Developed by Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard, the booklet Alerting, Detection and Response - Dealing with Accidents at Sea provides safety information to small vessel fish harvesters.
It describes the Canadian search and rescue system and the services available when dealing with marine accidents, and includes contact information for the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centres and Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres.
The booklet is available at Office of Boating Safety and Marine Communications and Traffic Services offices across the country.

SARSCENE 2005
In October, Prince Edward Island's Emergency Measures Organization will co-host SARSCENE 2005 in Charlottetown. Watch the NSS website for more information.

RCMP equipment supports partnership
In Alberta, the RCMP is responsible for delivering search and rescue services in approximately 95 per cent of Alberta's geographic area. Search and rescue volunteers are integral partners in the RCMP's service delivery strategy. In 2002, the search community contributed approximately 6,700 volunteer hours to assisting the RCMP during search operations. In 2003, that increased to over 10,000 hours.
To support the search volunteers in delivering quality service, the RCMP in Alberta identified 45 computers and 170 handheld spot lamps in surplus inventory for long term loan to the Search and Rescue Association of Alberta. The agreement was finalized in November 2003, and the equipment delivered by year end.

Seascape prototype launched in Newfoundland and Labrador
In April 2004, the prototype of the Seascape lifeboat evacuation system developed by Seascape 2000, took to the waters in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Courtesy of Seascape 2000

Sponsored by Transport Canada and funded by the New Search and Rescue Initiatives Fund, the project was designed to enhance the safety of off-shore drilling personnel in an emergency. The Seascape system consists of a 30-metre long articulated steel arm launching system with a lifeboat at the end.
The launch arm, resembling a crane, would be attached to the oil rig to lower the lifeboat and personnel safely into the water in the event of an emergency.
After all the tests are complete, the prototype will remain at Portugal Cove for one year with full exposure to the elements. At the end of the year, the system will then be tested to ensure it continues to function safely and effectively.

Technology enhances multi-agency response
by Martin Torn
A new satellite communication and coordination system, the Real-Time Emergency Management via Satellite (REMSAT II), has been deployed operationally in the Lillooet area in support of the British Columbia Forest Service (BCFS) Protection Branch actions on the Seton Lake and Town Creek wildfires. The REMSAT II system was recently demonstrated at two simulated wildfires at Whistler and Silver Star, B.C., following which, the system was deployed directly to the Lillooet fires.
Developed in Canada, REMSAT II is an undertaking of the European Space Agency in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency. Consortium partners for the project include Telesat Canada, the B.C. Forest Service, the Communications Research Centre, Simon Fraser University, and the B.C. Ambulance Service.
The REMSAT II is an advanced communication and emergency response coordination system that combines satellite communication, navigation, location tracking and earth observation space technologies for emergency management. The system includes many capabilities, including real-time GPS tracking of response personnel and equipment, digital messaging in the field, portable satellite-based voice and data communications, and a deployable, self-contained, mobile computing and communications module that supports the incident command team decision-making process.
For more information, visit the project website at www.for.gov.bc.ca/protect/remsat/

Martin Torn works with REMSAT II at Selkirk Systems Inc.

First National SAR Program Annual Report published
The first Annual Report about the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Program Report in Canada is now available online.
Produced by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, the report includes information about the organization of the National SAR Program, activities during the past year, and the issues and trends that are being addressed, such as responses to major air and marine incidents, multi-jurisdictional exercises, interoperability and the growth in high-risk recreational activities.
The Annual Report, along with the Annual Program Plan and Strategic Directions, represent the planning framework for the National SAR Program.
Visit www.nss.gc.ca and click on Reports for more information.

Colour coding for Sea Ice Charts formally adopted
With the widespread use of electronic navigational information systems, the importance of including colour coding for sea ice charts in the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) "Sea Ice Nomenclature" has been recognized.
As a result, the 2000-01 International Ice Charting Working Group prepared a draft colour standard.
In 2002, participating ice services produced charts with the colour codes and after few changes, the new standard was adopted by the WMO Secretariat.
For more information visit the Canadian Ice Service site.

Forum called on mandatory PFD wear
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (www.ntsb.gov) will hold a public forum in late August at the NTSB Academy in Ashburn, Virginia to discuss the mandatory use of personal flotation devices (PFDs).
According to the NTSB, United States Coast Guard figures show only five per cent of adults in open boats wear PFDs.
The same data indicates approximately 450 lives could be saved each year if the victims were wearing PFDs.
The agenda for the August 25 forum includes:

• New PFD technology
• Alternatives to mandatory wear rules
• The impact of federal and/or state legislation mandating wearing of PFDs
• Vessels and types of operation that should be covered in, or exempted from, mandatory wear rules.
  For more information or to register, visit www.ntsb.gov

Conservation officer Daryl Minter and his canine partner, Zoro.

Exploits win Newfoundland and Labrador Ground SAR Games
Exploits, the winning team at the Newfoundland and Labrador Ground Search and Rescue Association games, will represent the province at the 2004 SARSCENE Games in Calgary, Alberta on October 13.
Held during the Association's annual training weekend in Gros Morne, Nfld., the games had seven teams competing in events on search management, survival skills, medical skills, navigation skills and a mystery event where teams had to answer skill testing questions about SAR tools of the trade.
Close to 100 volunteers and invited guests attended the three days of activities which included presentations on wilderness first aid, Newfoundland and Labrador standards development, working with helicopters, evidence search and a hands-on GPS course.

AWARDS
Calgary Fire Department Aquatic Team wins swiftwater rescue award
The Calgary Fire Department's (CFD) Aquatic Rescue Team has captured the highest international award for excellence in swiftwater rescue. It's the first time a Canadian dive team has received the Higgins and Langley Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in Swiftwater Rescue, acknowledging superior preparedness and vigilance in the community to prevent injury and death on local waterways.

Keal Prince, CFD Aquatic rescue team

Aquatic Rescue Program coordinator and training officer, Keal Prince, attended a ceremony in Lansdowne, Virginia on behalf of the Fire Department to receive the award.
"Our search and rescue specialists were tops among 20 to 25 other world agencies competing for the same award," said Prince. "This is a huge feather in our cap for the Fire Department and the City of Calgary."
All 50 aquatic rescue team members were recognized for dedication to emergency readiness, teamwork and success in building a public education program that has been readily embraced by the community.
Prince said the judges, who were unanimous in bestowing the honour, were impressed with the program layout, the high level of training and the sheer diversity of the service.

In June 2002, just upstream from the weir, the team saved three people after their rubber inflatable capsized. Photo by Darryl Uruski

"CFD divers have raised the bar in program excellence through developing specialties in aquatic rescue, swift water diving, ice diving, evidence recovery and forensic investigation," said Prince.
Fire Chief Wayne Morris, himself a founding member of the aquatic rescue team in 1976, said winning this award attests to the quality of people who have dedicated so much of their professional life and much of their personal time to making the program the success that it is.
The team has accomplished much in its 28-year history. Calgary had a number of drownings in the early 1970s, mostly at the weir section of downstream Bow River. Working with Alberta Environment to create the Weir Safety Team, another phase of the aquatic rescue program, there has not been one drowning since.
"That kind of unselfish commitment to protecting the lives of others," said Prince, "is the essence of the aquatic rescue team."
The Higgins and Langley Memorial Award is named after Earl Higgins and Jeffrey Langley. Higgins, a writer and filmmaker, lost his life in 1980 while attempting to rescue a child caught in a flood-swollen Los Angeles River. Langley was a firefighter/ paramedic with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, who lost his life in a helicopter incident in 1993.

Excerpted from LINK with permission from the Calgary Fire Department

Transport Canada announces 2004 Marine Safety Awards
For their efforts to improve safety standards and dangerous work environments on board fishing vessels, George Chafe and Charles Roberts were presented with Transport Canada's 2004 award for outstanding contribution to Canadian maritime safety.
Presented at the biannual meeting of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council by former Transport Minister Tony Valeri, the award was deserved because "Mr. Chafe and Mr. Roberts have demonstrated exception commitment to the fishing industry over the past 20 years."
The award was established in 1997 to increase awareness of marine safety in Canada and to recognize those who have made an exceptional contribution to this objective.

Canadian Safe Boating Awards
Presented at the Canadian Safe Boating Council dinner in early 2004, the sixth annual Canadian Safe Boating Awards (CASBAs), recognized those who have made a difference in boating safety.
The 2003 winners and their categories include:

• Heather McDonald, Safe Boater of the Year
• Michael and Will Pratt, Canadian Power and Sail Squadron's "Rescue of the Year"
• Greg Meaker, Marine Professional of the Year
• Austin Gilbert, Top Volunteer Dedicated to Safe Boating
• La Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak, Best Boating Safety Campaign
• Ontario Marine Operators Association, Environmental Campaign of the Year
• Fox 40, Best New Marine Safety Product
• Monto Reno Marina, Green Marina Environmental Initiative Award
• Salus, Marine Manufacturers Award
• Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Special Recognition Award
• Natasha Fudge, Special Recognition Award
• Edmonton Squadron of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, Special Recognition Award

Two volunteers commended for daring hovercraft rescue
by Patrick Ciavaglia
A member of the Barachois Search and Rescue Team of Nfld. and a local volunteer firefighter received Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commanding Officer's Commendations for a daring hovercraft rescue Feb. 7, 2004.
On April 13, 2004, team member Pat McCarthy and firefighter Peter Hall were presented with the award for saving three snowmobilers' lives after their machines became half-submerged in Bay St. George on the west coast of Nfld. Both men braved white-out conditions and the risk of being swept into open water, which was only 15 feet from the rescue site. Hall was forced to stand in the freezing, slushy water for 40 minutes while McCarthy shuttled the three victims to shore, one-by-one, in the two-seater hovercraft.
The Barachois team purchased the hovercraft with their own money for just such a situation. They raised $10,000 by holding "the usual fundraisers" and contracting out their parking and traffic control services at community events.
The used hovercraft underwent minor repairs and had a new skirt installed before delivery to the Barachois team two years ago.

103 Squadron wins Laureate award
The five crew members of the Gander, Nfld. 103 Search and Rescue Squadron have been recognized a second time for their January 2003 rescue of the Finnish freighter Camilla.
Awarded the Laureate award from aviation industry magazine, Aviation Week and Space Technology, the crew is the first in Canada to win in the category of Operations.
Major Gilbert Thibault, Captain Andrew Mercer, Master Corporal Rob Vidito, Sergeant Emilio Dechantal and Master Corporals Dave Cooper and Scott Elliston received the award in April 2004 and were inducted into the Laureate Hall of Fame at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
MCpl Scott Elliston described the mission as a difficult one, especially because of the stormy weather conditions. The Cormorant was at risk of hitting the drifting ship due to 70 km/h winds and 10 m waves crashing over the deck, while it hovered for more than 70 minutes over the disabled freighter.

Past President of SAR Alberta wins NASAR award
Corporal John Rotheisler of 4 Wing Cold Lake and past President of the Search and Rescue Association of Alberta, was recognized at the 2004 National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Conference for his work in search and rescue.
Cpl. Rotheisler won the NASAR State/Canadian Province Award "in recognition of the exemplary dedication and consummate professionalism exhibited through involvement in national, provincial and local search and rescue organizations and community groups."
In 2003, Cpl. Rotheisler was the recipient of a Certificate of Achievement from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.

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