New Member Information
The information below will help provide prospective new members with information on how to join Sault Search and Rescue Inc. and what is expected of you to process your application for membership.
You may fill out your application for membership at the Mac Nicholson Rescue Centre, 246 Industrial Park Crescent. The Rescue Centre is open every Saturday from 10:00 am until noon.
You are required to present a valid drivers license and you Social Insurance Card. (Mandatory) These will be photo copied and filed with your application.
Once your membership application is completed it will be reviewed by a member of the Membership Review Committee and the required Witness signatures will be signed on your Waiver of Claims and Personal Information Consent form.
Training for Sault Search and Rescue volunteers is conducted at the Mac Nicholson Rescue Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, in the field, in partnership with the Ontario Search And Rescue Volunterer Association (OSARVA), on the water with the Canadian Coast Gaurd Auxiliary ( Central and Artic ) (CCGA), in the air, in affilition with the Civil Air Search And Rescue Association (CASARA) and the North American Search Dog Association (NASDA)
Training is held throughout the year.
You will be notified by e-mail of the training dates and times. If you do not have an e-mail you will be contacted by phone. You will have two years to complete your training. You are expected to complete your training in a timely fashion... it is your responsibility.
If not completed during this time-frame your Membership for Application will be listed as inactive and you will need to reapply at a later date. No credit will be given for any training module taken when you reapply for membership. Except if you have successfully completed and have been issued a Restricted Radio Operator Certification for land, air and marine.
Mandatory Training
1) Restricted Radio Operator Certification
The course includes radio protocol and procedures for land, air and marine radios. There is a $34.00 fee for the marine radio component. This course involves six hours of in-class training, usually two evenings with tests administered at the conclusion.
2) Basic Map and Compass Work
The course includes the interpretation and use of topogrphic maps, using desktop exercises and worksheets to learn the necessary skills. In addition, the use of a compass is accomplished through in-class discussions and exercises, followed by practical ( in bush ) exercises.This course includes six hours of in class work and two hours of field work.
3)Sault Sar Highway Vehicles
The course offers information and procedures for use of highway vehicles owned by Sault SAR. This includes information such as vehicle idntification and call signs, pre and post search procedures, search master assighment of drivers, specifics of 4X4 operation, winch operation, trailering and vehicle inventories. This course is typically covered in one evening session, followed by a Saturday hands on session.
4) First Aid
New members are required to show proof of having completed a carded First Aid course. This will be photo copied and filed with your application. If you do not presently have first aid accreditation you will be required to obtain it, in order to complete your mandatory training requirements for membership.Trainees are encouraged to complete this component at one of the facilities available in the community.
Sault Search and Rescue volunteers comprise many highly trained specialty teams. To view the teams click here.