We welcome dedicated volunteers from all walks of life. To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
  

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  

• Be able to pass a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
  

• Be willing to commit time regularly during both the training and on-water season

• Be able to reach Outer Harbour Marina within 30 minutes for emergency taskings

T-SAR operates during the boating season, which runs from April through November.

Scheduled training and patrol shifts:

• Weeknights, weekends and statutory holidays

Shift commitment:

All active crew members are expected to complete:

✔️ One weeknight shift per month

✔️ One weeknight shift per month

✔️ One holiday shift per season

Emergency (on-call) shifts:

• On-call crew carry on their regular lives but must arrive at the marina within 30 minutes of an emergency call

• These taskings can occur 24/7, and on-call availability is scheduled in advance

Additional shifts may be posted throughout the season based on crew availability, events, or operational needs. We encourage flexibility and participation when possible.

Our vessel is based at Outer Harbour Marina Toronto

Most members drive to the marina, but it's also easily accessible by other means:

• Public Transit: Closest stops are within a 15-minute walk

• Cycling: Many crew members choose to bike, especially during the warmer months

We encourage all volunteers to plan their transportation method in advance, especially for emergency taskings that require timely arrival.

Most new volunteers start as Crew Members.

As a Crew Member, you'll have the opportunity to train in and perform a variety of roles on board, including:

• Deckhand – vessel safety and task support

• Radio Operator – communications (requires ROC-M certification)

• Navigator – assisting with route planning and vessel positioning

• Helm – operates the vessel under supervision

Don't worry if this sounds intimidating — we train for all of these roles regularly. You'll be supported every step of the way as you learn.

On Land:

• Education & Safety Outreach – Help teach water safety at community events

• Fundraising – Support our operations through sponsorship and event planning

• Community Engagement – Be the face of T-SAR at public events and campaigns

• We accept applications throughout the year but we actively recruit for crew members in September/October.
• Interviews are conducted (via Zoom) in November, followed by selection.

Note: Recruitment this far in advance helps us plan, but we understand circumstances change. Please stay in touch if your availability shifts.

Winter Training (Mandatory):

• Held from January to April via Zoom

• Sessions are Wednesdays or Thursdays from 7–9 pm

• A calendar will be published in advance so you can plan accordingly

On-Water Training:

• Begins after spring boat launch in April

• Training shifts:

  • Weeknights, Weekends, Holidays

• Weekend training shifts are mandatory

Coast Guard Phase Training (Mandatory):

• Two full weekend sessions during the spring/summer

• Covers operational readiness, safety procedures, and SAR protocols

• Emergency callouts can happen 24/7

• Active crew must be ready to respond on short notice and arrive at the marina within 30 minutes

• While not every member is expected to respond to every callout, you should be prepared to participate when scheduled or available

Yes.

• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) - applications without a PCOC will not be accepted.

• Restricted Operator Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M) must be obtained before the start of the on-water season.

These must be obtained at your own cost

Medical training is not required to apply — but it's definitely an asset.

If you already have a medical background (e.g., first responder, paramedic, lifeguard, etc.), it will strengthen your application and may open up specialized crew roles.

However, all on-water volunteers are expected to complete Marine Basic First Aid (MBFA) within their first year as a member. This training is a mandatory certification and ensures everyone on board can contribute to the safety of the team.

We'll help guide you through when and where to take it, and how to get certified.

T-SAR provides key team-issued items such as:

• Unit cap

• Uniform t-shirt

• Other operational essentials

However, volunteers are responsible for purchasing some personal gear, including:

• Steel-toe boots (must meet unit approval)

• Rain gear (unit-approved)

• Pants (unit-approved for operational use)

• Base layers and other weather-appropriate clothing

All items you purchase are yours to keep, and we'll provide a detailed list with unit-approved options and estimated costs during onboarding.

Expected personal gear cost:
Ranges between $400–$650, depending on your preferences and chosen brands.

No — all T-SAR positions are 100% volunteer.

Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who give their time and skills to serve the community and keep our waterways safe.

However, eligible volunteers can claim a federal tax credit:

Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit
If you complete at least 200 eligible hours of service in a year, you may qualify for a non-refundable tax credit through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

For full details, visit:
Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit (CRA)

Yes. All volunteers are expected to:

• Participate in at least one community outreach event each season

• Assist at the T-SAR tent during public events

These events help educate the public, promote safety on the water, and strengthen our presence in the community.

No — swimming ability is not a requirement to join T-SAR.

We train thoroughly for all operational scenarios and follow strict safety protocols and equipment guidelines. As part of our core safety policy:

• Crew members do not enter the water during operations.

• Entering the water creates a serious risk — once you're in the water, you're no longer a rescuer, but a victim, which compromises both your safety and the team's ability to respond effectively.

Our focus is on safe, coordinated responses from the vessel. All rescues are conducted using approved equipment and procedures to keep crew out of the water and protected.

Unfortunately, no — we cannot accommodate ride-alongs.

Because we maintain 24/7 operational readiness for emergency deployment, we are not permitted to bring non-crew members aboard during active patrols or training missions. This is for both safety and regulatory reasons.

That said, we're happy to schedule an introductory call with you to share more about:

• What we do

• The roles available

• What training looks like

• How to get involved

Just email us at tsar@t-sar.com to set up a time!

The marine environment is never 100% safe — and we take that very seriously.

As first responders, we operate in conditions that involve inherent risks, especially during emergency situations. That's why we follow strict protocols, use safety-first equipment, and train continuously.

Here's how we manage risk:

• All crew wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) during every shift

• During emergency taskings, helmets and additional protective gear are mandatory

• We train regularly for high-risk scenarios so that our responses are calm, coordinated, and safe

• Our mission is clear: everyone goes home at the end of the day

If you're passionate about the mission but not comfortable with on-water risks, you can still make a huge impact. We have many non-operational roles in education, community outreach, logistics, and support.

The goal of every search and rescue mission is a safe and positive outcome — and many of them are.
However, the reality is that not all missions end that way.

As a SAR team, we sometimes respond to:

• Distressed or missing boaters

• Accidents or capsized vessels

• Situations where victims are found deceased or not found at all

This work can be emotionally challenging, and mental readiness is just as important as physical readiness. We do this because we care — because we want to make our waterways safer, support those in need, and be there when it matters most.

If you're concerned about this aspect, we encourage open conversations — and we offer peer support and mentorship to help our team navigate difficult calls.