Blog – Canadian Lifeboat Institution

27/02/2025

Passing of Society President Bob McIlwaine – Feb 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our CLI President, Bob McIlwaine. Bob served the organization well for many years, seeing the acquisition of vessels and developing processes and procedures. Bob had a distinguished career as a Reserve Naval Officer and was the owner of CanTrawl. He fought a brave battle with cancer. We were very fortunate to have the benefit of all the work he did behind the scenes. Bob, you will be sorely missed; we wish you fair winds and following seas.

08/12/202421/12/2024

Ladner Carol Ships Safety Parol – Dec 2024

DELTA and FRASER Lifeboats both participated in the Ladner Carol Ships parade on Dec 6 and 7. We provide a safety patrol but light our vessels and sail as part of the group from Wellington Point to Ladner Harbour along the float homes. Another fun event. At the end, crews meet up for great food and camaraderie.

Further details can be read in the Jan 2025 Heaving Line Newsletter on our site.

19/02/202424/02/2024

BC Family Day Safety Patrol – 2024

Fraser Lifeboat conducted a Family Day safety patrol on 19 Feb 2024. No sooner had we left Steveston Harbour than we were called by a tug stating a small vessel needed assistance near Steveston Bend. We found a small aluminum boat with fishing gear and a single occupant with an overheated engine. We advised Coast Guard Radio and then towed him back to the fuel dock and continued on our patrol. We saw several commercial vessel along the way including a deeps heading for Fraser Surrey Wharfs. These patrols provide an added level of response to mariners and gives our crew valuable experience.

10/02/202424/02/2024

Line Launcher Training – Feb 2024

The CLI recently acquired two new SS series line launchers from Coast Ropes and Rescue. We tried them on the dock, and were really impressed with their capabilities. The next thing was to test them on the water. On 10 Feb 2024, Delta and Fraser Lifeboats deployed to Wellington Point area in Ladner, and Fraser L/B simulated going aground. Delta L/B practiced launching their line to us and we tried to pull in a tow line. This practice was valuable as we determined an intermediate line has to be used before pulling the heavy tow line across. We then switched, Delta L/B went to anchor and Fraser L/B shot across to them. We even made a special rope tool to layout or line for an easy launch. Afterwards we rafted together and debriefed over a coffee on board Delta L/B. All in all a very valuable training day.

10/12/202317/12/2023

First Aid and CPR training with Delta Fire Dept – Dec 2023

Delta Fire Department has kindly provided CLI crews with an Emergency First Aid course with CPR Levels A and C. Many of our members have varying levels of first aid including Marine Basic and Advanced, Industrial, Standard, and others, but this course takes us back to basics and focuses on key life-saving techniques. 12 crew attended this session, and 18 attended the Apr 2023 session. The bonus is we provide support to the City of Delta as we are part of their Emergency Programme, and we have been trained by their knowledgeable instructors. Our members received hands-on practice including administering an epi-pen, using a tourniquet, dealing with burns, and many other things that we may see during our on-water patrols.