Sarnia, Ontario - The Canadian Coast Guard's Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut completed its second season of providing maritime search and rescue services on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
The station opened for the first time in June 2018, as part of the government's Oceans Protection Plan, to improve marine safety in Arctic waters in collaboration with Indigenous communities. This year, the station opened on June 21, and provided essential search and rescue services during the summer boating season.
Throughout this season, the IRB crew participated in training with Rankin Inlet Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, and the Canadian Coast Guard's Arctic Community Engagement and Exercise Team. These joint exercises helped the crew build strong partnerships within the community and with rescue partners. Crew members spent several hours on-the-water, travelling 542 nautical miles.
The Coast Guard employs post-secondary students through the IRB program to provide supplementary maritime search and rescue services during the busy summer season. In the North, the IRB program is operated by Indigenous post-secondary students. Visit jobs.gc.ca this fall to apply for next year's crew.
