GLOSSARY of TERMS

• AMVER: Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System
• Aurora: 4 engine, maritime patrol aircraft, 407 Squadron, Comox BC.
• Buffalo: 2 engine, fixed wing, SAR/transport aircraft, 442 Squadron, Comox BC.
• CASARA: Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (air equivalent of CGA)
• CCG or CG: Canadian Coast Guard
• CF: Canadian Forces
• CGA: Coast Guard Auxiliary (community based SAR volunteers)
• CMCC: Canadian Mission Control Centre, Trenton, ON (ELT coordination)
• Cormorant: 3 engine, SAR helicopter, 442 Squadron Comox BC.
• DFO: Department of Fisheries and Oceans (which includes Coast Guard)
• DND: Department of National Defence
• EHS: Emergency Health Services (BC government)
• ELT: Emergency Locator Transmitter (aircraft distress beacon)
• EPIRB: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (boat distress beacon)
• FRC: Fast Response Craft (see RHIB)
• FSS: Flight Service Station
• Helo: Helicopter
• Hercules: 4 engine, fixed wing SAR/transport aircraft, 435 Squadron, Winnipeg MN.
• HMCS: Her Majestys Canadian Ship (Navy vessel)
• MCTS: Marine Communications and Traffic Services
• PEP: Provincial Emergency Program
• RCC: (Victoria) Rescue Coordination Centre
• RHIB: Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat. Zodiac-type boats used by CGA and carried on larger CG vessels. 'Point Race 1' refers to the Pt Race's RHIB. (see also FRC)
• SAR: Search and Rescue
• SARSAT: Search and Rescue Satellite System
• Sea King: 2 engine, Navy maritime helicopter, 443 Squadron, Pat Bay, BC.
• USCG: United States Coast Guard
• VAC: Comox MCTS
• VAE: Tofino MCTS
• VAJ: Prince Rupert MCTS
• VAK: Victoria MCTS
• VAS: Vancouver MCTS