There are many ways to become involved in what we do. You can choose to join the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) the nonprofit society that raises funds on our behalf, the Victoria Marine Rescue Society (VMRS) or both.

Membership in Unit 35 can be a rewarding experience, not only will you get the opportunity to assist others in need but you will also receive excellent training and make some lasting friendships along the way.

Please feel free to review some of the different aspects of membership and please review our recruitment Brochure Below. To find out more please join us at our next Recruit Information Session.

Currently we are accepting applications from interested members of the public to join our duty crews. Potential candidates must be willing to carry a pager and able to respond to our boat located at Ogden Point within 15 minutes.

• a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Card)
• a completed CCGA Application Form
• a Criminal Record Check (available at no charge; specify that you are applying to join the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary)

• a full Safety Orientation of the vessel and equipment
• Approved application package (which includes your Membership Number - for insurance purposes)
• RROC (Restricted Radio Operators Certificate - Marine VHF)
• Standard First Aid
Once you have your Coast Guard Auxiliary Insurance number you can start on-the-water crew training.

Once you complete your training you will be tested to ensure your knowledge and skill are to Crew standards. If you pass you will be given your Basic Crew rating and will be able to be on active crew for full rescue capability. Your job on the vessel will be to navigate, run systems, work under direction of an Advanced Crew or Coxswain, and be the front line assistance to the rescued. If you fail, you will be given the chance to retest, you can retest as many times as needed.

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. Once the training is complete then you will be tested on your knowledge and skill and if you pass you will be given your Advanced Crew rating. If you fail you will be given the chance to retest within 2 months. You can retest as many times as needed.

Overview It generally takes between 3 and 5 years to become a fully certified Coxswain (Vessel operator and crew incident commander). There are three steps involved in this portion of the SAR training.

Once you pass your Advanced Crew Level, you become eligible for Coxswain Training. This course prepares you for the highest level of training in vessel operations called RHIOT School (Rigid Hull Inflatable Operator Training) but with an emphasis placed on Unit 35 (Victoria area) operations, systems and leadership. Once you have completed the Coxswain training, your name will be put into a list of people to go to RHIOT school

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 as a Coxswain for the Unit for a minimum of two years.

Upon completion of RHIOT School you will be checked out by a Unit Coxswain on actual Search & Rescue (SAR) incidents and will then become fully certified as a Coast Guard Auxiliary Rescue Coxswain. You will be given a crew when one is available and you are comfortable handling it. Duties include overall responsibility for taskings in Search and Rescue, vessel and crew safety, and continuous crew training.