Members of United States Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, United States Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force participated in a joint international search and rescue training effort held near Prince Rupert, British Columbia on April 29 to May 1, 2013. Labeled the Canada-United States Hecate Strait Search and Rescue Exercise, this event allowed SAR crews from Canada and the United States to train together.
The exercise simulated rendering aid to an offshore ship in distress, with the goal of having SAR personnel in both countries better able to work and communicate together. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Edmonton, served as the vessel in distress, with her crew role-playing as injured personnel. Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria coordinated American and Canadian resources throughout the simulated incident.
The goal was to have Canadian and American search and rescue crews to practice working together in response to an offshore vessel in distress. This challenging training had some 135 members from both countries search and rescue organizations take part in the training exercise.
Speaking of the event, Canadian Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay stated, “The Canadian Armed Forces stand ready to work with our search and rescue partners in the United States to respond to distress calls at sea. Exercising this partnership during realistic training scenarios ensures we continue to provide an effective maritime search and rescue response to those in need.”
Alaska Coast Guard Chief of Staff, Captain Anthony Vogt, echoed the remarks saying, “The exercise enhanced interoperability and SAR coordination in a joint environment with Canadian partners and US SAR organizations. The goal of the exercise was to ensure Canadian and US organizations, including the US Coast Guard, were prepared to respond to mariners in distress.”
In the United States, the Coast Guard serves as the lead agency in marine related SAR missions, while the Air Force is responsible for terrestrial events. In Canada, all aircraft and marine incidents occurring in federal waters fall under the country’s federal search and rescue mandate. Ground based SAR missions fall under the jurisdiction of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, with assistance being offered by the federal government.
Alaskans depend on the Coast Guard to help them in their time of need and the agency is noted for its successful record. Training with our closest neighbor can only be a good thing for all concerned. We hope this cooperation continues well into the future.