Students Employment Program

Inshore Rescue Boat Program Challenges and Testimonials

A World of Challenges

Marine rescue (SAR) is one of the most important challenges in the nautical world, with its intene moments and numerous opportunities for discussion with recreational boaters. In all kinds of weather, teams respond when SAR missions are necessary to save lives, by removing people from the water, towing crafts, giving first aid, and comforting boaters in distress. Prevention work is also a priority, and provides stimulating encouragement to pleasure boaters, whether experienced or not. This work includes courtesy checks, equipment demonstrations, and providing safety tips. Many information tools are made available to boaters both on and off shore.

Testimonial for Prevention

Stéphane De Broucker
Crew member, GC 1202-B, Oka, summer 2009

What could be more gratifying or stimulating than working as a team at the helm of a fast rescue craft, helping pleasure boaters in distress?

A search and rescue mission is stressful. It can take a long time and be physically demanding, requiring intense concentration and efficient communication between crew members. You have to constantly adapt to problematic and conflicting situations while respecting protocols and overcoming personal challenges. However, the ultimate reward comes when the crisis has passed and you receive a thank you from those you helped.

The IRB Service gave me a wonderful opportunity to further reach my potential and made me realize that I could make a difference. I cherish the memories of rescues we carried out that saved actual human lives. This program is a great opportunity to meet people who are passionate about what they do, make great contacts within the Coast Guard and have the experience of a lifetime while working closely as a team. When the summer ends, you emerge a more mature and humble person. The program is backed by a solid administrative, logistics and coordination team that provides guidance and support. Knowing that we would not be left to our own devices made this job all the more serious and professional.

This opportunity was a turning point on my career path. I now know that I want to work for the Canadian Coast Guard and I dream of heading to the Great North aboard an icebreaker!

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Alexandra Cournoyer
Crew member, GC-1205, Sorel, summer 2008, 2009 and 2010

Taking part in the IRB program is an incredible experience that allowed me to acquire know-how and gain more maturity. During the course of the past two summers, I was required to push my limits and give my all in order to handle any emergency situation that arose.

What made me appreciate the work even more is the sense of accomplishment and pride I feld following certain SAR missions that required me to apply different techniques learned during the training period.

In short, I greeted each workday aboard the GC-1205 in Sorel and the CG-1201 in Valleyfield with enthusiasm and always returned home at the end of the season with wonderful memories. I look forward to more of the same in the coming summers.

(Translation)

Sébastien Verger-Leboeuf
Crew member, GC-1204, Longueuil, summer 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010

This is my fourth year in the Canadian Coast Guard's Inshore Rescue Boat Service. Each morning, I wake as excited as on my very first day. Putting on my uniform, knowing that I will have to meet several challenges during the day and that my presence will help save human lives is what I love about this job. Each summer, each month, each day is different, making this a unique experience that I won't soon forget.

In addition to working with truly wonderful people, marine search and rescue has allowed me to deepen my knowledge of navigation and first aid as well as stress, team and project management; knowledge that will serve me well in all areas of my life.

(Translation)