Marine Search and Rescue
Roberts Bank Lifeboat
Recruiting and New Member Introduction
Recruiting
All Delta Marine Unit crew are volunteers, and most are also Roberts Bank Lifeboat Station - Delta Society members. The requirements for joining the ships crew are as follows:
a) Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC)
b) Restricted Operators Certificate Maritime ROC(M) with DSC endorsement
c) Minimum 18 years of age
d) Canadian citizen
e) Able to pass a criminal records check, which includes fingerprinting
f) Possess a valid passport in case of crossing into USA
g) Live or work within a 30 minute radius of the boat, in case of callout you should be able to get to the vessel within 20-30 mins maximum.
The PCOC and ROC(M) courses are available through all Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons. The Squadrons closest to Delta are Fraser, Sur-Del, and Whiterock. Alternately the PCOC may be completed online at several sites, or challenged at various locations advertised in the community if you feel you are competent.
Required Qualification
Within six months of joining the crew, the member should meet the following unit and Transport Canada requirements:
a) Transport Canada Marine Medical
b) Marine Emergency Duties (MED A2) certification
c) Marine First Aid with CPR(C) and AED certification
d) Marine Advanced First Aid
Senior crew may require other Transport Canada qualifications such as SEN(L), ROC(MC), SVOP, etc over time.
Please note that a Candidate Document Number (CDN) is now a requirement by Transport Canada (TC) prior to issuing training certificates, including MED. It is strongly recommended that if you are going to take any TC certified training, you contact Transport Canada and obtain a CDN prior to taking a course. For additional details, including information on how to obtain a CDN, refer to the Transport Canada's Ship Safety Bulletin (SSB) # 05/2010.
All crew will be required to obtain a uniform at their own expense.
Delta Marine Unit uniform
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Training Days and Locations
You should be available on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings for training other than callout. We meet as follows:
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 BC Rail - 3885 Deltaport Way, Delta, BC (Enter from 28th Ave)
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If you would like to join our team, please contact us
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 Delta Cops 1108-56 Street, Tsawwassen, BC
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 Delta Port Lifeboat Station
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Delta Port Station |
| The society also has a station at Delta Port, on the Sea Span barge. This is a secure area. | |
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Does the Delta Marine Unit hold recruiting sessions?
No, however we are always looking for capable, competent, committed community minded citizens to join us. We would expect you to stay with us for at least 2 years. Both men and women can join us, as long as you are at least 18 years of age and can pass a criminal records check. Previous marine training is not required, but is certainly an asset.
Membership in the society and the Delta Marine Unit can be a rewarding experience. Out on the water ANYTHING can go wrong. It may be mechanical (broken hose fittings, fuel pump, injectors); medical (heart attack, concussion, knife gash); it may be a collision between vessels, or a vessel and a submerged log; a swamping or grounding; a fire, or a patrol / surveillance opportunity.
Do I get paid?
No, we are all volunteers who do this in addition to our day jobs, giving our time to benefit our community. Ordinary people with ordinary day jobs, from accountant to salesman, fireman to farmer, pilot to mechanic.... anyone with a desire to make their life count for something.
How often would I have to crew?
As a new member you will be expected to attend all on and off water training. We realize you are a volunteer and other commitments may come up during this time. Ensure you inform the Unit Training Officer so he can alter plans. Once you are qualified crew, you will be on a rotating call out list.
Is the Delta Marine Unit part of the Canadian Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary or Police Department?
None of the above. We are an independent marine emergency services organization. Essentially a community lifeboat that can react quickly to incidents within Delta and the surrounding areas. We do work with the local police, fire department, municipal engineering department, Canadian Coast Guard, and other agencies if tasked or as required.
What is the difference between the Delta Marine Unit and the Roberts Bank Lifeboat?
The Roberts Bank Lifeboat Station - Delta Society is the name of the society that conducts fund raising to operate the vessel. It is a legal, registered, non profit society. The Delta Marine Unit is the operational side of the Roberts Bank Lifeboat Station - Delta Society, which involves crewing and operating the vessel and responding to any tasks or missions, patrols, conducting boating safety checks, and promoting boating safety to the community. The vessel is actually named M.V. Roberts Bank Lifeboat.
How often does the Delta Marine Unit get paged for rescues?
The number has been steadily increasing, however the frequency is unpredictable. Our unit is not just dedicated to Search and Rescue. It also conducts various duties including boating safety checks, patrol and surveillance, and other activities for various government agencies (Municipal, Provincial and Federal).
What kind of training do I receive? Do I have to pay for training?
As a volunteer you will be trained how to handle the wide variety of incidents that can occur out on the water; you'll be trained in seamanship; and you'll be trained in marine search and rescue techniques. Most of all - you'll earn yourself valuable recognized qualifications along the way.
The Delta Marine Unit trains to Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada standards. Other recognized training may come from the Provincial Emergency Program, The Justice Institute of BC, and other approved providers. Most of the training we provide is covered by the society free of charge. Certain courses and qualifications may have to be paid for by the member, this would be discussed with the Unit Training Officer prior to attending.
Training as an amateur radio operator is also available, and can be arranged through the Unit Radio Officer.
Do I get Identification?
Yes, as the Delta Marine Unit is part of Delta's Emergency Measures, we are issued with Corporation of Delta Volunteer ID.
Where is the rescue boat and how close do I need to be to respond to a rescue call?
The Delta Marine Unit maintains 2 stations. Our main dock is at the Ladner Harbour Boat Basin, which is located at the end of McNeeley's Way, approximately one kilometer west of Ladner Harbour Park adjacent to the Wharfingers Office. The alternate dock is located at Roberts Bank Superport, also known as Deltaport, at the Seaspan Tug basin. The vessel is a Halmatic Pacific 38 in yellow rescue colours with red tubes. Both docks are secure and you will have to await authorized crew to get to the vessel.
Ideally you should be able to get to the boat in max 15-20 mins time from callout. Many employers are sympathetic to leaving the workplace for this cause. Since taskings or rescues happen with no set time schedule, some form of departure arrangements can often be set up with your employer.
Does the Delta Marine Unit hold recruiting sessions?
No, however we are always looking for capable, competent, committed community minded citizens to join us. We would expect you to stay with us for at least 2 years. Both men and women can join us, as long as you are at least 18 years of age and can pass a criminal records check. Previous marine training is not required, but is certainly an asset.
Membership in the society and the Delta Marine Unit can be a rewarding experience. Out on the water ANYTHING can go wrong. It may be mechanical (broken hose fittings, fuel pump, injectors); medical (heart attack, concussion, knife gash); it may be a collision between vessels, or a vessel and a submerged log; a swamping or grounding; a fire, or a patrol / surveillance opportunity.
Do I get paid?
No, we are all volunteers who do this in addition to our day jobs, giving our time to benefit our community. Ordinary people with ordinary day jobs, from accountant to salesman, fireman to farmer, pilot to mechanic.... anyone with a desire to make their life count for something.
How often would I have to crew?
As a new member you will be expected to attend all on and off water training. We realize you are a volunteer and other commitments may come up during this time. Ensure you inform the Unit Training Officer so he can alter plans. Once you are qualified crew, you will be on a rotating call out list.
Is the Delta Marine Unit part of the Canadian Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary or Police Department?
None of the above. We are an independent marine emergency services organization. Essentially a community lifeboat that can react quickly to incidents within Delta and the surrounding areas. We do work with the local police, fire department, municipal engineering department, Canadian Coast Guard, and other agencies if tasked or as required.
What is the difference between the Delta Marine Unit and the Roberts Bank Lifeboat?
The Roberts Bank Lifeboat Station - Delta Society is the name of the society that conducts fund raising to operate the vessel. It is a legal, registered, non profit society. The Delta Marine Unit is the operational side of the Roberts Bank Lifeboat Station - Delta Society, which involves crewing and operating the vessel and responding to any tasks or missions, patrols, conducting boating safety checks, and promoting boating safety to the community. The vessel is actually named M.V. Roberts Bank Lifeboat.
How often does the Delta Marine Unit get paged for rescues?
The number has been steadily increasing, however the frequency is unpredictable. Our unit is not just dedicated to Search and Rescue. It also conducts various duties including boating safety checks, patrol and surveillance, and other activities for various government agencies (Municipal, Provincial and Federal).
What kind of training do I receive? Do I have to pay for training?
As a volunteer you will be trained how to handle the wide variety of incidents that can occur out on the water; you'll be trained in seamanship; and you'll be trained in marine search and rescue techniques. Most of all - you'll earn yourself valuable recognized qualifications along the way.
The Delta Marine Unit trains to Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada standards. Other recognized training may come from the Provincial Emergency Program, The Justice Institute of BC, and other approved providers. Most of the training we provide is covered by the society free of charge. Certain courses and qualifications may have to be paid for by the member, this would be discussed with the Unit Training Officer prior to attending.
Training as an amateur radio operator is also available, and can be arranged through the Unit Radio Officer.
Do I get Identification?
Yes, as the Delta Marine Unit is part of Delta's Emergency Measures, we are issued with Corporation of Delta Volunteer ID.
Where is the rescue boat and how close do I need to be to respond to a rescue call?
The Delta Marine Unit maintains 2 stations. Our main dock is at the Ladner Harbour Boat Basin, which is located at the end of McNeeley's Way, approximately one kilometer west of Ladner Harbour Park adjacent to the Wharfingers Office. The alternate dock is located at Roberts Bank Superport, also known as Deltaport, at the Seaspan Tug basin. The vessel is a Halmatic Pacific 38 in yellow rescue colours with red tubes. Both docks are secure and you will have to await authorized crew to get to the vessel.
Ideally you should be able to get to the boat in max 15-20 mins time from callout. Many employers are sympathetic to leaving the workplace for this cause. Since taskings or rescues happen with no set time schedule, some form of departure arrangements can often be set up with your employer.
New Member Introduction
This section has been designed to help new members get their sea legs. As always please don't hesitate to ask any experienced crew member if you are unsure of what you need or what you should be doing. The vessel's master is also your primary resource for information and on-the-water training.Orientation
Before you will be able to participate in active SAR or Patrol duties you must complete a new crew orientation course. This is conducted within our organization and will help you get a grasp on the basics. It includes some time on our vessel and some self-study.
Contact the Unit Training Officer to arrange a time.