Discussions related to privatization of SAR

[Baz]

Good2Golf

Thank you providing the facts.  A lot of us are aware of the reality but you took the time to detail them succinctly (did I spell that correctly?).

 

[Journeyman]

Good2Golf

Thank you providing the facts.  A lot of us are aware of the reality but you took the time to detail them succinctly (did I spell that correctly?).

    :nod:

It's always a treat to read posts from people who actually know what they're talking about..... even G2G  ;D

 

[Good2Golf]

It's always a treat to read posts from people who actually know what they're talking about..... even G2G  ;D

JM, even a broken clock is right twice a day. ;D

Now, in the spirit of addressing elements of privatization, or more accurately commercialization of elements of specific SAR functions/capabilities, I will point out the example of Cougar Helicopters.

I'm not trying to advertise for them, but I know many of them and they indeed have an impressive capability to conduct rotary-wing SAR in very challenging conditions.  I'll quote from their SAR-related web-site, noting that while they indeed have contributed to missions that would otherwise be the full responsibility of DND, Cougar, like others, has assisted when able, the first sentence of their SAR page is the first sentence for a reason...raison d'être and funding...

(Link)
Cougar Helicopters has been providing Search & Rescue (SAR) services since 1991 to the oil and gas industry. Operating from a purpose-built 27,000 sq. ft. facility in St. John's, Cougar team of professionals provide 24/7 SAR capabilities to its offshore oil and gas clients with a dedicated Sikorsky S92 aircraft.

Safety is Cougar's number one priority. Cougar operates to strict company standards supported by a Transport Canada approved Operations Manual and Standard Operating Procedures specifically written for SAR operations.

Cougar is the first rotary-wing aviation company to employ a Transport Canada certified Type B Co-Authority Flight Dispatch System thereby adding another level of safety for its customers. The Operational Control Centre (OCC) brings together all pertinent departments in one area increasing situational awareness for any occurrence.

When saving lives you need a helicopter you can count on. Cougar helicopters was the first operator in North America, civilian or military, to utilize the S92 in a SAR role. Built for all weather safety, it has fully redundant systems for flight and engine controls, avionics, cockpit displays and electrical systems. Some of the technical and safety innovations incorporated into the aircraft include GPS technology; de-icing systems; satellite communications/tracking systems; helicopter flight data monitoring; SAR Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS); forward looking infrared (FLIR) system with a designated cabin console; and a stand-up cabin that can accommodate auxiliary fuel tanks, medical litter kits and storage space.

Cougar Helicopters takes great pride in its SAR crews. Cougar's rescue specialists come from diverse backgrounds which include military and civilian SAR, flight paramedicine, safety and advanced medical systems and survival instruction. Its SAR crews are unique in that many commonly hold dual qualifications as rescue men and hoist operators. As well, cougar's flight crew has experience that includes military and civilian SAR from three continents. They also have extensive Arctic and shipborne operational experience. Cougar is capable of responding to a wide variety of emergencies on land or at sea and in some of the world's harshest weather conditions.

Cougar Helicopters is a past recipient of the prestigious Excellence in SAR Innovation award by the National SAR Secretariat.

Regards
G2G

 

[Colin Parkinson]

N
Others have pointed out the fallacy of expecting that while assets and roles would be transferred to another government department and/or some hybrid with civilian industry, the legacy money would remain behind in DND to do with as it wished for new ‘good ideas.’


Regards
G2G

Quite agree, if DND gives up any portion of SAR, then it will also give up a equal amount of funding as well. It would not be the first time though, back in 1962 the RCAF gave up Marine SAR and transferred it's marine assets to the newly formed Coast Guard, if fact Kitsilano CCG base was transferred over, base, land, boats, equipment and people from RCAF to CCG. 

 

[Crimmsy]

JM, even a broken clock is right twice a day. ;D

Now, in the spirit of addressing elements of privatization, or more accurately commercialization of elements of specific SAR functions/capabilities, I will point out the example of Cougar Helicopters.

I'm not trying to advertise for them, but I know many of them and they indeed have an impressive capability to conduct rotary-wing SAR in very challenging conditions.  I'll quote from their SAR-related web-site, noting that while they indeed have contributed to missions that would otherwise be the full responsibility of DND, Cougar, like others, has assisted when able, the first sentence of their SAR page is the first sentence for a reason...raison d'être and funding...

Regards
G2G

Reading that, curious, what exactly their role is for the O&G industry? Medevac and searching for guys falling off the rigs? Not sarcastic, just trying to understand what makes them SAR vice medevac.

 

[Good2Golf]

If someone falls overboard off a rig or support ship, that wouldn’t be MEDEVAC.  If another O&G helo goes down, that wouldn’t be MEDEVAC. Etc.

Regards
G2G

 

[kev994]

AFAIK Cougar keeps a helo on standby to rescue when they have another transiting to a rig.