Hi everyone,

Just a quick update on a few Station 35 matters. 

First, a big thank you to all the crews who have kept us up and running 24/7 through the winter.  We've had some middle-of-the-night and some stormy weather calls, all handled quickly and professionally. 

One of the recent calls, handled by Simon, Jon, Julie and Tim, involved a disabled military Zodiac south of the VH buoy.  It was too rough for two accompanying military boats to tow the stricken vessel, so Simon's crew took it in tow.  Having drifted for three hours, the two personnel on board were very cold and wet.  They warmed up aboard our vessel and were dropped off at CFB Esquimalt.  HQ has flagged this as an "outstanding operation".

We've also received recognition by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre for our part in last year's "Good Friday Storm".  Kudos to Tom, Tim, Paul and Ainslie for their work that day in very challenging conditions.  You can see the recognition certificate and accompanying letter on the station web site at www.vmrs.org

At the risk (well, the certainty) of leaving someone out, I would like to acknowledge our crew members - some with years of experience, some who are relatively new -  who are key to providing our first-rate search and rescue service:

Robert Miller

Rheannon Brooks

Paul Fry

Julie Williams

Werner Hofstatter

Alf Bradley

Mick McGregor

Sandra Tucker

Ame Hicks

Chris Mellett

Lucas Carvery

David Poilevre

Brian Daly

Ainslie Avery

JF Bureau

Tony Collins

Frank Williams

Ellen Wood

Mika Ogilvie

Jeremy Christensen

Hans Weber

Chris Rasmussen

Special recognition to two members who, sadly,  are leaving the station, at least for now: Jon Parker (pursuing his studies) and Rich McIlmoyle (focusing on parenting).   We hope to see you both back!  And a tip of the VMRS ball-cap to our supporting members, includingIan Marshall, who help behind the scenes, and to all our coxswains: Mark, Shawn, Given, Nick, Mike, Tim, Tom, and Simon.

 

TRAINING

A few of our members are putting in extra hours towards a higher training standard.  We have had trouble fielding enough "Advanced Crew" to meet the crewing requirements for the Tolonen.  The CCGA-P definition of Advanced Crew includes RHIOT school, and we aren't able to get folks to RHIOT quickly enough to meet our operational needs.  However it appears CCGA-P will soon accept "Pre-RHIOT" qualifications for the Advanced Crew position on the Tolonen (backing up the Coxswain) which is a welcome development.  Thanks to Alf, Rheannon, Paul, JF, Brian, Chris, Mick, Gerhardt and Jeremy who are working towards that standard.

Training officer Mike Deigan is creating some new training opportunities for us, particularly at the advanced crew level.  Please take advantage of these activities and let him know your interest in higher level training such as SARNAV. 

We are being offered a Marine Emergency Duties (MED A-3) course, open to all.  Mike will be canvassing us as to whether we want a full day session or two shorter sessions.  Stay tuned. 

EQUIPMENT

As mentioned at the last meeting, there's a new system to ensure our equipment is well-maintained.  Once a year each crew will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the floater suits, vests, first aid kits, and other gear.  A schedule is posted in the Pilot House.  Many hands will make this a quick chore.  Thanks!

As always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please get in touch. 

Regards,

Rob

Rob Duffus

Station Leader