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.
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.
Transport Canada PCCC Training – Apr 2023
On Sunday 02 Apr 2023 the CLI received Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check Training from Transport Canada. Our crews received this refresher training to keep up to date on the latest requirements to perform ramp or alongside pleasure craft safety checks. We were able to train at the Delta Fire Department Hall #4 at Boundary Bay Airport which was a perfect location for those who attended.
Delta L/B Extended Training weekend – Nov 2021
Video RCMSAR 14 coming long side
Delta Lifeboat – Extended training weekend
On November 5 the Delta Lifeboat departed at 1915 from her Ladner station to Port Graves in Howe Sound for an extended training weekend. The weather forecast was rain and S.E. winds 10-20 knots. Courses were planned from Ladner to Sand Heads and Collingwood Channel traveling up the Northbound lane. Delta L/B passed Cape Rodger Curtis at 2218 and proceeded up Collingwood Channel through rain squalls to Howe Sound, anchoring in Port Graves at 2330.
6 Nov. The anchor was weighed at 0900 and M.O.B. search and recovery training were conducted south of Gambier Island close to the ferry lanes. A tornado warning was received for the Georgia Strait and Howe Sound; however, the wind remained from the S.E. with rain sometimes heavy and the sea ran from 1 to 2. ‘Oscar’ was deployed, recovered, and hoisted aboard Delta L/B. At 1300 pacing (sticking) training continued in a moderate sea and heavy rain. At 1400 Delta L/B proceeded to the North end of Shoal Channel where a creeping line search pattern was plotted and run. Delta L/B went to anchor in Plumper Cove at 1515 in preparation for joint operations with RCM-SAR station 14 out of Gibsons. The SAR RHIB secured alongside 1610 and a briefing and cross vessel tour was conducted. SAR14 requested a pacing exercise and towex. This was conducted in Shoal Channel with Delta L/B running at 10 knots with SAR14 and Delta RHIB practicing paces and sticks. Delta L/B went to anchor in Plumper Cove for a welcome supper.
7 Nov. The anchor was weighed at 0930 and the ship secured for sea. The forecast was for winds S.E. 15/25 and rain sometimes heavy. Visibility in Howe Sound was 1.5. The passage down Queen Charlotte Channel was made into a steep head sea. Clearing Point Atkinson course was set for the North Arm. Delta L/B entered the North Arm at 1200 communicating with tugs and tows and tugs working booms. Transit was made to New Westminster and to Ladner. Conditions were very changeable with very heavy rain and hail to blinding sunshine that created a spectacular rainbow. Delta L/B secured at her station in Ladner at 1527.
Multi-vessel search pattern exercise with CCG – Jul 2021
The CLI has been developing a better way to conduct multi-vessel search patterns. On 17 July the Delta Lifeboat, Fraser Lifeboat, Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Siyay, and a Canadian Coast Guard RHIB (Callsign Sea Island One) put those principles to the test. After rafting with all vessels for a briefing, we took our positions and tried with Delta L/B leading, and then switched to the CCG Hovercraft Siyay leading. We then met and debriefed. It looks like the CCG like this system and we will try again with ourselves and other agencies vessels like police, RCM-SAR, etc. There were lots of takeaways and things we need to work on, but it was a huge success and proved the concept works.