In the past eighteen (18) months the Steveston Lifeboat, and its volunteer crew, have participated in a number of deployments, covering a variety of safety related activities, including the following:
1) Direct professional crew training 293 hours
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2) Support for special marine events, including public education 153 hours
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3) Safety escort for two major yacht races around the Gulf of Georgia 85 hours
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4) Practical training for Power Squadron students and Sea Cadets 20 hours
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5) Fishery safety patrols in Area 29 (FraserRiverestuary) 151 hours
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It can be noted that safety patrols during the Fraser River Gill Net Fisheries are the major commitment for the Steveston Lifeboat each Summer and Fall.
The vessel has been performing this voluntary service annually for the past thirty five (35) years. During this time the boat and crew have been able to provide assistance or a rescue service on more than 750 occasions.
During the most recent patrols, identified in item 5) above, more than 300 commercial vessels were escorted through the areas congested by gill net fishing boats and nets.