CALL OUT

Because of the effective organizational structure of the CCGA, the Canadian Coast Guard is able to keep up-to-date information on active auxiliarists and can match almost instantly a distress call to the nearest CCGA unit.

Most of the calls come from one of three Joint Canadian Rescue Coordination Centres known as JRCCs or one of two Marine Rescue Sub-Centres or MRSCs. These centres are responsible for the planning, co-ordination, conduct and control of SAR operations.

Their job is to direct the closest and most appropriate search and rescue resources to a distress call. These centres, staffed by SAR co-ordinators from the Canadian Military and the Canadian Coast Guard, are on full alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.