The Canadian Coast Guard opened the doors of its Victoria base to the public Saturday as part of a 60th anniversary celebration dubbed “Coast Guard Day.”
The station opened from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving the public an opportunity to tour the CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell, which is going back into operation on B.C.’s west coast after undergoing a $17.3-million refit. The new vessel replaces the CCGS Bartlett, which was made back in 1969.
“The Grenfell has quite a bit more lifting capacity than her predecessor. It has quite a bit more carrying capacity. Essentially, she’s just a bigger, more capable platform,” said CCG navigation officer Austin Zin.
Visitors were also able to get inside a Coast Guard hovercraft as well as watch search and rescue exercises, the organization said.
“I wish everybody attending the Canadian Coast Guard’s 60th anniversary celebration open house and marking the start of service for CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell in Victoria a great day,” said federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joyce Murray in a statement.
“Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment they need to protect our coasts. Crewed and supported by the many skilled Canadian Coast Guard personnel, the CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell will provide many years of service in British Columbia.”
Today, members of the public can tour the Grenfell, climb aboard a hovercraft, watch #SearchAndRescue exercises and talk with our personnel about some amazing careers available with us! #CCGat60 https://t.co/3BasGem0c4 pic.twitter.com/8JxkkBppA6
— Canadian Coast Guard (@CoastGuardCAN) June 11, 2022
Officials say the vessel will support Coast Guard programs like light station resupply, navigations aids, search and rescue and fisheries enforcement.
The one-day open house is also aimed at giving potential mariners a glimpse into the role the Coast Guard plays in hopes of recruiting for a “wide range” of careers.
Mario Pelletier, CCG Commissioner, spoke about how the Coast Guard needs new workers.
“We need people. We’re fighting with industry for talent but I think Coast Guard has so much to offer,” said Pelletier.
Susan Pickrell, senior director of fleet for the western region of the coast guard, says the organization’s mandate includes search and rescue, ice breaking, helping in scientific research and responding to environmental hazards.
That includes a response to the Zim Kingston last fall, when the vessel was hit by high winds off the west coast of Vancouver Island and lost more than 100 containers overboard before catching fire the next day.
With files from The Canadian Press.
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