July 27th, 2013, saw the launching of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 08, Delta, new Type 1 Fast Response boat at Captain’s Cove Marina in Delta. VIP’s participating in the event and offering their congratulations, were the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, PC, QC, MP for Delta-Richmond East, and National Minister of Revenue, Vicki Huntington, MLA for South Delta, and Captain Joanne McNish, Regional Director Fleet, Canadian Coast Guard. Hans Verbeek, RCM-SAR Southern Area Representative, read greetings from Delta Mayor Lois Jackson and RCM-SAR President Jim Lee. Norm Dyck, a long time member of Station 08, acted as Master of Ceremonies and provided some of the history of the Station.

The new vessel, purchased by the Delta Marine Rescue Society with funds raised through donations and grants, is an excellent example of the improved vessel seaworthiness and sophisticated equipment now available for search and rescue purposes in the community.

The vessel, referred to as a Type I vessel, replaces an 11 year old  TITAN 249XL, and is a 9-meter, rigid hull inflatable, powered by twin Yamaha 250 hp engines, capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots, and has a range of 250 Nautical miles. This fast response craft is completely equipped for Search and Rescue, with a state of the art electronics suite, high-powered searchlights, night vision, and extensive First Aid equipment. It is “self-righting” in case of unexpected rollover, and features the new Shockwave Integrated Controlled Environment (ICE) shock absorbing console to help lessen the impact of heavy seas.

The vessel normally carries a crew of four – a coxswain and three crewmen, but is capable of a large overload in the event of a serious marine accident. Station 08’s primary area of responsibility is approximately 600 square miles. This area is travelled extensively by B.C, Ferries, cruise ships, tugs and barges, freighters, fishing and pleasure craft, including canoes and kayaks. Activities such as kite boarding are seen regularly. The proximity of Vancouver International Airport and Boundary Bay Airport (third busiest airport in Canada for take offs and landings) adds to their responsibilities.  With this new vessel, located at the Point Roberts Marina, RCM-SAR Station 08  will be able to respond quickly to marine emergencies throughout Boundary Bay, the southern Gulf of Georgia, the San Juan, and Gulf Islands in virtually all weather conditions, day or night, 24 hours/7days a week.

Specialised training is required to operate these vessels, as they are frequently operated under less than ideal conditions, at speeds in excess of 40 knots (50 mph), in heavy seas, reduced visibility and at night. This training is provided locally by the Station and by the Coast Guard Rigid Hull Inflatable Operator Training ( RHIOT ) facility at Bamfield, B.C.  The Bamfield training is a prerequisite for all Coxswains.  All crew members are required to successfully complete a Basic Search and Rescue course, First Aid course, Pleasure Craft Operator Competency course, and to possess a Radio Operators Certificate. Refresher training is carried on a regular basis. Again, it is important to note that this is done by the volunteers entirely on their own time, without compensation.

Following the remarks by the dignitaries, Audrey Engholm, wife of Station 08 Leader, Captain Jeff Engholm, named the vessel “The Spirit of Delta V”, and broke the traditional bottle of champagne over the bow. This was followed by Father Ronnie of Sacred Heart Parish, who proceeded to bless the vessel.

The vessel was then launched, and once in the water, attendees were invited to view the vessel, and ask any questions they might have. Refreshments were served to those in attendance as well.

TYPE I VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS

Built by Liquid Metal in Sidney, B.C., to Lloyd’s Register Standards for Special Service Craft G2-G3-G4/5 Class B-Offshore, it is designed for offshore up to top wind force 8, and significant wave height up to 4 metres.
It is self-righting in case of unexpected 180 degrees rollover, and has 14 watertight compartments.
The vessel features the new Shockwave ICE (Integrated Controlled Environment) console.
LOA (Tube)                9.14 m                           Top Speed                40+ knots
LOA (Transom)          8.64 m                            Crew                         5 persons
Beam                          3.12 m                             Engines                    Twin Outboards
Draft (DWL)              0.59 m                             Horse Power             2 X 250
Deadrise                     24 degrees                       Range                        250 Nautical Miles