Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) Service

Job Requirements

The Canadian Coast Guard randomly selects a number of qualified candidates from the FSWEP general student inventory to take part in the IRB crew selection process. The FSWEP general inventory can also be used by any Federal Department to staff student positions. The FSWEP is a component of the Public Service Commission. To be eligible for the IRB Service all candidates must submit an application to the FSWEP Campaign 2011-2012. Note that the IRB Service is no longer listed as a Departmental Program on the FSWEP website. You must be a full-time post secondary student in an accredited institution and be returning to full-time studies in your next academic term. These are the eligibility criteria set out by the FSWEP. Applications may be drawn from the FSWEP inventory at random if a candidates application meets these specific criteria:

Candidates must select in their application at least one work location where an IRB station is located. Candidates must indicate in their application that they are available to work at the start of IRB training in April until IRB Service shutdown in Septebmer. The exact program dates for each region are posted on the national website for the IRB Service. Finally, candidates must also indicate in their application that they possess the following skills and occupational certificates:

• Pleasure Craft Operator Card
• Valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR-C)
• Valid First Aid Certificate – Standard

Application Deadline

Tuedsay, January 03,  2012 Midnight

Pre-Season Requirements

Candidates who are selected to take part in the crew selection process will be required to meet the following additional requirements: 

Radio Operators Certificate: Candidates must hold a VHF Radio Operators Certificate (Maritime) also known as the ROC-M. (Please refer to Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons for more information) Note: This is not a requirement to apply to the IRB Servive, however proof of certification must be received two weeks prior to the commencement of IRB training.
Medical Clearance: As a condition of employment, all seagoing personnel must successfully obtain medical clearance. Successful candidates of the IRB crew selection process will undergo a Pre-placement Health Evaluation which is administered by Health Canada.  The Category 3 health evaluation for seagoing personnel consists of a confidential health questionnaire completed by the candidate together with a physician and followed by a full clinical history and physical examination by the physician. The occupational health nurse or other appropriate licensed health care professional usually provides prophylactic immunizations and tests. This includes vision, colour vision (Farnsworth D15 colour-vision test), hearing (Hint and Saint hearing test), mental health, and tetanus/diphtheria.

Security Clearance: As a condition of employment, all personnel must successfully obtain a Government of Canada Security Clearance. This involves a background/criminal record check and/or national security investigation. This is completed during the later stages of the crew selection process.   

Asset Qualifications: Although these are not mandatory requirements, in order to be competitive in the selection process it is also desireable to have the following:

• Bronze Cross certificate or higher
• Extra-curricular experience in organized sports, clubs, teams, volunteer organizations, or similar groups
• Experience in small vessel practical navigation or seamanship
• Additional or compensatory training in small vessel operations/basic navigation
• Advanced First Aid certificate or additional Medical Training
• STCW Marine Emergency Duties certificate(s)

Coxswain Positions

In Central and Artic Region, candidates must have two seasons of experience as a crew member in the service before they will be considered for a Coxswain’s position.

If you have any other questions, please contact:

Michael.Brown@DFO-MPO.GC.CA
Officer in Charge, IRB Service
Canadian Coast Guard, Regional Headquarters, Sarnia

XCA-SARSarnia@DFO-MPO.GC.CA
Search and Rescue Programs General Inquiries Inbox
Canadian Coast Guard, Regional Headquarters, Sarnia