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 challenge to provide SAR response capability to such a large area, and our volunteers meet the challenge with determination and professionalism. There are 33 Stations up and down the BC coast. Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue has about 1100 volunteers. In the last year, our organization was tasked to respond to 565 missions and had over 72,000 hours spent volunteering.

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.

Cape Lazo: 37ft Jet Drive Rescue Vessel, valued at $700,000 with 850 HP (horse power). This vessel can reach top speeds of 35 kts (65 km/hour), and can operate safely in waves up to 15ft in height

Paul Giles: A trailer towable 26ft Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), powered by two 150 HP outboards. It averages 25 kts (45 km/hour) and can safely travel in winds blowing up to 25 kts.

Located at the Comox Municipal Marina, next to the boat ramp, our station is a 500 sq ft float house, which houses our class/training room, briefing room, gear storage and maintenance space.

Come down to our station housed in the Municipal marina in Comox any week on Thursday night at 6:15 pm. Our volunteers will be completing our weekly safety boat check, and can answer any questions you may have!