From CEO Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR), Pat Quealey

On the occasion of the 4th World Maritime Rescue Congress, it is our great honour to welcome you to Vancouver.

It seems a very short while ago that RCMSAR embarked on a journey with our colleagues at the IMRF to set the conditions for a memorable and productive Congress.

Our team of over 1,000 volunteers along with our colleagues from partner marine safety agencies are thrilled to share the beauty of Canada’s Pacific Coast with you and hope that your brief stay with us creates rich memories of camaraderie and shared learning.

As Captain Fox describes in his welcome, the history of the Congress follows a long tradition of lifeboat services that transcend over three centuries.

Here too, on Canada’s challenging western waters, the saving of lives has a rich history as the spirit of humanitarianism dates back thousands of years in the cultures of our Indigenous Peoples.

We continue to learn and respect the value of these traditions at the same time as we are also keen students of the experience of our colleagues across the broader Federation.

RCMSAR is a relatively young organization that has its roots in the community marine rescue services that have existed here in British Columbia for generations.

We honour that past but also recognize the need to strive to improve and evolve in the interest of best serving our communities. In our current form, in many ways, we are the product of the IMRF’s mentorship and the fine example of its member organizations.

The value of the IMRF’s influence in our development cannot be overstated. We are grateful to learn from all of you as your humble hosts while you visit our shores.

Thank you for travelling great distances to join us in Vancouver.

Along with our colleagues from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Coast Guard, and other partner agencies we are truly at your service and hope that you will prosper in our shared learning and take the time to enjoy the welcoming spirit of Vancouver and its people.