Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses of "CMRA," please see CMRA (disambiguation).
The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary or CCGA is a Canada-wide volunteer marine association dedicated to marine search and rescue (SAR) and the promotion of boating safety, through association with the Canadian Coast Guard under the auspices of Canada's National Search and Rescue Program.
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[edit] History
Coastal lifesaving by unpaid volunteers pre-dates Canada's Confederation in 1867.
Coast Guard marine search and rescue controllers first recognized volunteers during the 1960s. Volunteer Search Masters were individuals with access to seaworthy boats equipped with radios and Volunteer Marine Rescue Agents (VMRA) were individuals who served as local points of communication with Coast Guard marine search and rescue controllers. A special metal sign was provided to identify a volunteer search and rescue station and a distinctive pennant based on the design of the CCG jack was also issued: white hoist, blue fly, single red maple leaf with the letters S and R on either side of the leaf.
By the 1970s, it became clear that a larger and better trained group of volunteers could effectively augment the Coast Guard's response to marine incidents, especially in remote locations.
The Canadian Marine Rescue Auxiliary or CMRA was formed in 1978 as a non-profit organization in an effort to enhance search and rescue coverage and capability, and to better coordinate volunteer efforts. CMRA was renamed to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary or CCGA in the mid-1990s. While CCGA operates as an independent organization, CCG personnel in each region of Canada act in a liaison role for coordinating support and operations.
[edit] Mandate
CCGA members are recreational boaters and commercial fishermen who assist the Canadian Coast Guard with search and rescue (SAR) as well as boating safety education. CCGA members who assist in SAR operations have their vessel insurance covered by CCG, as well as any fuel and operating costs associated with a particular tasking.
The CCGA permits CCG to provide marine SAR coverage in many isolated areas of Canada's coastlines without having to maintain an active base and/or vessels in those areas. The auxiliary is dedicated to providing a permanent day and night search and rescue service to cover marine requirements in Canada and prevent the loss of life and injury.
- Save lives at risk
- Reduce the number and severity of SAR incidents
- Promote marine safety
- Support the Canadian Coast Guard
- Provide a humanitarian service
- Maintain the highest professional standards
- Promote dedication and pride of membership
