In 1978, various Canadian volunteer Marine Search and Rescue (SAR) groups decided to create a consolidated organization that would allow them to coordinate their equipment, knowledge, and training on a national scale. 

Of the six Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary associations that were formed across Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary-Pacific is the organization which serves British Columbia and the Yukon. 

In 2012, our organization was renamed as the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) to reflect the work we do and to separate the public’s perception that we are the Canadian Coast Guard (Aux.) 

We are a Marine SAR resource which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If necessary, our volunteers are willing and ready to risk their lives to help anyone in distress on the water. 

The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue area includes more than 29,500 kilometres of coastline, 6,500 islands, and approximately 450,000 square kilometres of internal and offshore waters. Along this immense stretch of coastline, there is a significant challenge in providing SAR response capability to such a large area, and our volunteers meet this challenge with determination and professionalism. There are 31 Stations up and down the BC coast and the inland waters of the Shuswap in BC's interior. Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue has about 950 volunteers. In the last year, our organization was tasked to respond to 450 missions (which is roughly one quarter of all marine emergencies on the coast). We assist about 400 people each year, of whom 20% were in a dangerous situation. Our volunteers dedicate thousands of hours (20,000+) of their time every year to saving lives: on missions, in training, and in the community 

In addition to our search and rescue duties, we provide public education about boating safety, volunteer vessel inspections, maintain PFD loaner stations through the Kids Don't Float program, and assist our local community during events on the water. 

Events include: Snow to Surf (Canoe Leg), Dragon Boat Races, Build Bail and Sail event held annually during Comox Nautical Days, and so much more! 

If you have an event in mind that's held locally on the water, and are looking for a safety boat, please contact us through our form.