eckerd college search and rescue
DESCRIPTION
Eckerd College Search and Rescue is a volunteer community service which offers maritime SAR to the Tampa Bay area.TRANSCRIPT
Eckerd College Search & Rescue
National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators
Ryan Dilkey - Coordinator of EC-SAR
Emma Hiolski – Watch “A” Leader
What is EC-SAR?
A group of highly trained volunteer students
Offers no fee service to the Tampa Bay boating community
Ready to handle many maritime emergencies
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The History of EC-SAR
1971: Team founded by the current Director of the Waterfront Bill Covert. Ten students used private boats to provide safety to students during water-sports activities
1977: expanded to offer services to the Tampa Bay community; a one semester trial effort!
EC-SAR in the Spotlight
1980: CGC Blackthorn sinks in Tampa Bay; EC-SAR aids USCG in response
1980: Tanker Summit Venture collided with the Skyway Bridge; EC-SAR first to respond, bringing national recognition to the team.
EC-SAR Present Day…
68 Student volunteer members 3 small boat rescue assets Over 500 Calls for assistance per year Work closely with other agencies
including Coast Guard, FWC, & local Police and Fire Departments
Response unit for County 911 Dispatch
Services Provided by EC-SAR
Tow to the nearest safe mooring.
Pull vessels from aground Search for boats or people Fire fighting Dewatering Medical emergencies Righting overturned boats A wide range of maritime
emergencies
The Rescue Fleet
Our Facilities and Resources
The Waterfront Activities Center - 1991. Houses offices, classrooms, OP/COM, ready rooms, and restroom facilities.
Wallace Boathouse - 1999. Houses the Recreation program for student use and maintenance facility for college fleet.
Hard at work…and at play!
The Students of EC-SAR
37 Upperclassmen 31 Phase I trainees No Academic credit No Pay 10-20 hours per week Minimum 2 year
commitment
Levels of Training
Phase I, II, and III: required progression for all first year team members. Basic seamanship, marlinespike, and rescue techniques covered over 13 months.
Senior Crew: Further development of skills giving knowledge base for leadership.
First Mate: Go aboard vessels we assist, lead crew and run deck aboard SRU.
Levels of Training (cont’d)
Coxswain: pilot single outboards on cases of lower complexity.
Boat Captain: pilot larger SRUs on more complex cases.
First Responder: provide first aid to stabilize and transport injured persons to paramedics
Operations / Communications Radio Operator: Monitors VHF, 800mHz, and
phone communications. Assists in the completion of computerized case records.
Ops Coordinator: Supervise OP/COM and assist the SAR Coordinator in decision making and case progression.
SAR Coordinator: Staff member holding acceptance authority and oversight for all case related decisions and progression.
Case Statistics: 2007-2008
Reporting Source
91115%
Coast Guard18%
Commercial0%
Other13%
Owner / Operato
r
Nature of Distress 2006-2007
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Surf Rescue
Sinking
PIW
Overdue
Out of Gas
Medical
Jumper
Flare
Fire
Disabled
Collision
Capsized
Aground
Adrift
Abandoned
High Expectations!
2 Year Community Service Contract 24 hrs ON 48 hrs OFF Duty Rotation 5 minute response time to the Waterfront Duty Crew coverage from 6-10 pm nightly 2-3 boats on patrol each weekend day Regular maintenance and upkeep of fleet Many, many, many hours of training
Off the Water… EC-SAR students participate in many
annual events throughout the community:
St. Petersburg & Tropicana Boat Shows
Public Presentations Old Salt Fishing
Tournament Sea Scouts
“Introduction to SAR”
Pinellas Park Fire Department Explorer Program
Great American Teach In
Transportation Day Toys for Tots
And Many Others!
The Goals of EC-SAR
Provide a fun, challenging, and exciting environment through maritime SAR
“Student Development” program focused on leadership skills, communication skills, and personal and team accountability, and high self-esteem.
Graduate as responsible, confident, and competent young adults committed to service in their community.
How is EC-SAR Possible?
Generous support from alumni and friends Corporate sponsorships and donations Boat donations for Re-sale or use Donated marine equipment for our annual
yard sale Water Sports classes for adults during the year
and a top notch summer camp program for children
Occasional donations from boaters we assist All gifts are tax deductible, non-profit support
The Waterfront Program
and EC-SAR strive to
instill lifetime sports, community service,
and education.