The Mobile Marine Sim is the new forefront of emergency-response training.

Nov 5, 2024

By Mathew Channer

Amphibious Response Support Unit ONE (ARSU1), based in Echo Valley Saskatchewan, is revolutionizing first responder training with the introduction of their Mobile Marine Simulator.

Working in partnership with Canadian company Virtual Marine, which specializes in marine safety simulator training, ARSU1 is bringing cutting-edge rescue training to Canada’s prairie regions. Simulated marine training is a powerful tool, allowing first responders to train risk-free for the difficult weather, wind and visibility conditions they often encounter in real-word scenarios. Their current training modules include Search & Rescue, Ice Rescue, Tactical Operations, Pollution Response, Vessel Handling, Visual & Electronic Navigation and more.

While ARSU1’s first response training officially launches this year, they have already extensively used their Mobile Marine Simulator for training recreational boaters, with impressive results.

“After a few hours of training, even if someone has zero experience, we see a dramatic increase in their ability and competency, which also builds their confidence,” said ARSU1 Director of Operations John Maczko.

Maczko is expecting similar results when they begin rescue training operations this winter. The Mobile Marine Simulator software has been specifically developed to emulate inland water conditions, making it an optimum tool for training responders in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and parts of Ontario. And the mobile setup of the simulator allows ARSU1 to bring training to the first response units that need it, making training easier and more effective than ever before and allowing first response organizations to schedule training more frequently.

The Mobile Marine Simulator has already attracted strong interest from many first response organizations, and Maczko is excited to work with Canadian industry partners to bring enhanced training and experience to where it’s needed.

“We want to strengthen our ties with Canada’s boating industry, incorporate their products and technology, and work together with organizations to make Canadian boating safer for everyone, while also working closely with first responders to share the experience we have to help them respond to and prevent incidents,” he said.

ARSU1 operates from their new headquarters, the Echo Valley Water Rescue Base & Training Center in Echo Valley Provincial Park Saskatchewan, where they are heavily involved with local rescue efforts during boating season. Their fleet includes their newly acquired Zodiac H-590 Fast Rescue Craft and their AR45 hovercraft amphibious vessel, which is well-suited to operations in shoulder season and across the varying terrain that often inhibit marine rescue efforts in the prairies. 

“Hovercraft are a tool that should not be overlooked in first response,” said Maczko. “We have ice, we have thin ice, it’s either just starting to freeze or it’s melting. They are also ideal in shallow water and flood operations. We can launch directly from land. We can move into areas where it might otherwise be next to impossible.”

About ARSU1

Amphibious Response Support Unit ONE was formed by Director of Operations John Maczko, an experienced hovercraft operator and First Responder who recognized the need for tailored first response services for inland waterways in Saskatchewan. ARSU1 was established in 2015, and its new operating center, ARSU1 Echo Valley Water Rescue Base & Training Center, opened in 2023. Combining rescue-operations, community education and cutting-edge simulator training, ARSU1 is fast-becoming one of Canada’s leading experts on water-based emergency training and response.

For more information visit their website or contact John Maczko at arsu@arsu.ca.