CANADA IS A BIG COUNTRY!
It can take time for Search and Rescue (SAR) to get to you. Be prepared to have someone alert help if you can’t make the call yourself. Have the resources to survive the wait for help and be a good target for SAR.
Leave a Float Plan with a responsible person whom you trust to act if you don’t return.
- Include critical details about your boat and planned trip
- Ensure the person knows who and when to call in the event you do not return
Be prepared! Sometimes it takes time for SAR to arrive.
- Keep your boat afloat with a bailing device
- Keep your boat in one place by using an anchor
- Bring extra clothing for both the expected and the unexpected weather conditions
- Have water and food aboard
- Seek shelter within your boat if it is safe to do so
- WEAR YOUR LIFEJACKET
Listen for SAR and when they are close by, help them pinpoint your location and communicate with you.
- Have pyrotechnics (flares) and a signal mirror on board and know how to use them
- Try contacting / communicating with SAR on Channel 16 on a VHF Radio or 911 / *16 on a cell phone
CALL FOR HELP?
CALL FOR HELP?
Have a plan in place to alert
SAR (Search and Rescue) in
the event of an emergency.
Have a plan in place to alert
SAR (Search and Rescue) in
the event of an emergency.
Cell Phone
• Dial *16 to alert Coast Guard Radio
• Dial 911 to alert Local Authorities
Marine Radio - DSC
• Channel 16 to alert Coast Guard Radio and other vessels in the vicinity
• DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Radio, properly registered, sends auto alerts
EPIRB 406 MHz
(Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon - For Boats)
• Provides your location via satellite to nearest Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
• Register your EPIRB with the Canadian Beacon Registry
PLB 406 MHz
(Personal Locator Beacon)
• Portable alerting device
• Provides your location via satellite to nearest Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
• Register your PLB with the Canadian Beacon Registry
• Note on your emergency contact sheet that it’s in a boat