Prior to receiving an application, members of the public who wish to become a SAR member in Station 35, must possess a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Card), attend a minimum of 3 public station activities (monthly meetings or New Crew Training Classes; 1 of which MUST be a Recruit Training Session), pass an interview with the Recruiting Officer and provide a clean Criminal Record Check (available at no charge from VicPD; specify that you are applying to join the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary).

This process is to demostrate your seriousness about serving as a SAR member and that you already possess the basic boating skills and knowledge. The aim of training within the CCGA-P is Search and Rescue, recruits are expected to have prior boating experience. 

As a dedicated member, over time you can receive official certifications such as:

• Restricted Operator Cetificate - Marine
  
• Marine Basic First Aid - with AED
  
• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency
  
• Marine Emergency Duties - A3
  
• CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Operator Training (RHIOT) Certification
  
• Search & Rescue Navigation 1 & 2
  
• Master Limited (60 Ton) Course
  
• Simulated Electronic Navigation/L

Upon completion of your application and receipt of your CCGA membership card, the following is the process for new members:

1. Pre-reading of the New Member Materials (training resource page).
2. Familiarization of all content on this website & in the Crew Area
3. Attend New Crew Training Class (Recruit Session Required) 
4. Attend a New Crew Orientation & Check Ride
5. Pass a New Crew Written Exam

At this point you will be eligible to participate in on water training with duty crews and ready to begin your Basic Crew Standard sign-offs which includes the self-paced online SAR Learning System (SLS).

At this point you are a trainee crew member and until you reach 20 hours sea time you will not be counted as crew for minimum required crewing levels on the vessels. 

Training is managed by the SAR Management System (SMS) on the CCGA-P website. When your application is approved and processed, you will be assigned a number and login to the website. If this information is not provided to you, contact the CCGA-P office and request it. Every member is required to maintain a profile which tracks your statistics and sign-offs, and maintains your activity log and valid certifications in a digital format. The SMS is the primary system used for all training and mission tracking and each member must check it frequently.

Crew training is incumbant on the individual member to track and complete in communication with their training officer & coxswain. All members should work through the CCGA-P website which has a library of training materials, required simulator training (SLS) and quizzes.

Once you pass Basic Crew Level you will be able to start your Advanced Crew Level training. This covers similar material as the Basic Crew Level but takes it to a much higher level of understanding and knowledge. Your job on the vessel will now include completing taskings given by the Coxswain, being in charge of crew safety, helping trainees advance, and operating the vessel as a Coxswain should the Coxswain become incapacitated or be too busy to operate the position. Some courses you will be eligible to attend include:

A 4 day training program at the CCG base in Victoria focusing on enclosed cabin vessel electronic navigation and results in a Transport Canada Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certificate. The training is divided between the classroom, the water and the world's first accurate simulator for fast response craft (FRCs). 

This is 7-day course taught at the Coast Guard station in Bamfield, British Columbia. It covers all aspects of vessel operation, crew communication, navigation and incident command structure. It is an intense and expensive course and upon completion of this course you are obligated to serve in the CCGA-P for a minimum of two years.