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The National Search and Rescue Secretariat
The mandate of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat (NSS) is to
coordinate, promote and review the National Search and Rescue Program
(NSP). The NSS also manages the Search and Rescue New Initiatives
Fund (SAR NIF). The NSS is an independent agent of the government, reporting to
the Lead Minister for SAR, the Minister of National Defence.
History
- In 1982, off the coast of Newfoundland, the Ocean Ranger oil rig capsized,
killing 84 people. A Royal Commission was formed to look into the incident
and to make recommendations on improving Canada's search and rescue
system. As a result, in 1986, the NSS was formed in order to act as
a centre for search and rescue coordination and promotion in Canada.
The Role Of The National SAR Program
- The NSP's mission is to improve SAR prevention and response by coordinating,
supporting, promoting and reviewing the activities of the federal and
non-federal agencies that provide SAR services to people in distress
throughout Canada's areas of jurisdiction.
- The NSP encompasses the air, ground and marine SAR activities of all
levels of government, corporate and volunteer sectors, and a vast array
of organizations and programs. The NSP focus is on providing information,
applying technology, conducting research, preventing SAR incidents from
occurring and saving lives of people at risk.
- Within the federal government, six departments are directly involved
in programs related to SAR.
- Non-federal SAR policy and programs are the responsibility of individual
provinces and territories and are coordinated by the police force of
jurisdiction.
NSS Highlights
- The SAR New Initiatives Fund (SAR NIF)
The NIF was established to provide funding for projects that will enhance
search and rescue in Canada. The annual $8.1 million fund has financed
over 750 projects since its inception.
- COSPAS-SARSAT
This international satellite organization maintains the communications
satellites used for search and rescue around the world. The Executive
Director of the NSS is the head of the Canadian delegation for COSPAS-SARSAT.
- Canadian
Beacon Registry
The NSS is home to this registry which keeps track of Emergency Locator
Transmitters (ELTs), Emergency Positioning Indicator Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).
- SARSCENE Conference
Since 1992, the NSS has co-hosted the annual SARSCENE Conference with
local SAR organizations to provide a forum for search and rescue providers
from across Canada.
- SARSCENE Magazine
online
The NSS produces a national, bilingual quarterly online magazine and
is Canada's only search and rescue magazine.
NSS Organization
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