What happens when I join the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 33 ?
First of all, you are not going to get paid since this is a volunteer civilian organization where expenses and operating costs (Approximately $ 20,000 CDN/year) are covered by Revenues from casino nights, grants, and partially by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Unit Leader assigns persons to a rescue crew. Crew assignments may take a couple of months, depending upon vacancies and your experience. You will be loaned a survival suit and be offered a variety of training opportunities at no cost. During your first year with the Coast Guard Auxiliary you will have the opportunity to experience approximately 40 hours (3 hours every 4 weeks) on the water training in the Jack Groves, and 35 hours of classroom training during the monthly CCGA and OBSRS (Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society) meetings. The Coast Guard will also put on a weekend long SAR (Search and Rescue) course, and other courses will be available. You will also taste salt water, get soaking wet, cold and wind burnt.
