Our Mission

To save lives on the water.

About Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR)

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization that operates more than 30 marine rescue stations along the coast of British Columbia from Vancouver’s busy harbour to the remote waters of the North Coast. RCMSAR is a key part of the marine search and rescue (SAR) system, working in one of the most challenging search and rescue regions in the world. Our 900 volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to immediately respond to marine emergencies at a moment’s notice and ready to keep you and your family safe.

We don’t just respond to emergencies, we work to prevent them. RCMSAR volunteers also provide boating safety information, pleasure craft safety checks, and a loaner program for kids’ lifejackets at many docks and marinas.

We at RCMSAR Headquarters provide operational and training support for all stations across the province. 

Your donation helps our volunteers get the training and equipment they need to save lives and stay safe while doing it! You can choose to direct your donation to a local RCMSAR Station near you, support a specific program or choose the "greatest need" and support stations across the entire organization.

We cannot do our job without you.  Thank you for helping save lives on the water.