Marine Section

19 Wing Comox

The Marine Rescue Section at C.F.B. Comox was established in the early 1950's to support 409 Fighter Squadron. With three steel hulled 40' crash boats, manned by R.C.A.F. motorboat crewmen, the section was on the water for all over water flying exercises, airborne emergencies, bomb range patrol and target towing for the CF-100's, 409's aircraft of the day.
The section was also on standby for any marine emergency involving civilian aircraft, commercial and pleasure boats. In the mid 1970's. through unification of the Canadian Forces, the Marine Section was taken over by naval personnel posted to C.F.B. Comox.
Through the years the section has been given added responsibilities;

a. Support to rescue Squadrons 435, 440, and 442, SAR training in SKAD and pump drops and helo hoists in simulated marine disasters, and diving exercises;

b. Support to survival school (Edmonton) in the sea phases of courses, air crew familiarization with parachuting into the water and life in a raft; and

c. Support to Sea Cadets at HMCS Quadra in the control, maintenance and repairs of 125 boats and tenders, 12 to 75 feet in lenght. In 1984, 409 Fighter Squadron left C.F.B. Comox and posture of the Marine Section changed. Crews and hours were reduced and one crash boat was retired. But the support role of the section has stayed the same.

In November 1985, two new 53 foot fibreglass crash boats: MV660 "Black Duck" and MV661 "Albatross" (above) were delivered to C.F.B. Comox to replace the old steel vessels. These new vessels have the latest state of the art navigational and control appointments and have some greater rescue capabilites.

In the early 1990's the Marine Section changed from operational to a training role. It was reduced to four military personnel and one civilian Marine Engineer responsible to a Petty Officer 1st class, the marine Superintendent.

The Marine Section remains on call for all training and marine emergencies through RCC Victoria, Comox Coast Guard and the Control Tower at 19 Wing Comox.

Hours of Operation

a. 0730-1530- working days-excercises-by phone.

b. Exercises after hours or weekend-by appointment.

c. Emergencies ANY TIME.

Present Crew

Marine Superintendent ------- Petty Officer 1st class MacKay

Crew Chief ---------------------- Petty Officer 2nd class Wiebe

Crewman ------------------------ Leading Seaman Dale

Crewman ------------------------ Leading Seaman Gall

Marine Engineer -------------- Leading Seaman Legrouix

Marine Engineer --------------- Mr. Noble

"BLACK DUCK" and "ALBATROSS"

SPECIFICATION AND PRINCIPLE PARTICULARS
Owner..........Department of National Defense
Builder..........Canoe Cove Manufacturing Ltd.
Designer..........Harris & Carlton Ltd.
Lenght Overall..........53 ft. (16.15 m)
Beam Moulded..........14.5 ft. (4.44 m)
Draft..........4.25 ft. (1.6 m)
Displacement (lightship)..........59,139 Lbs. (26.4 long tons)
Gross Tonnage..........34 Tonnes
Fuel Capacity..........6653 lbs. (788 Imp. Gals., 3584 l)
Fresh Water Capacity..........493 lbs. (50 Imp. Gals., 226 l)
Classification..........R.C.N. Search and Rescue
Total Accomodation..........4 persons
Trial Speed..........22 knots
Cruising Speed..........18 knots
Range..........400 Nautical Miles
Propulsion Engines..........Two Detroit Diesel Engines, rated at 560 BHP @ 2300 RPM
Reduction Gears..........Twin Disc MG514 with a ratio of 2:1
Propellers..........2X4 bladed stainless steel, Michigan Wheel, 32" (812.8mm) dia., 30" (762mm) pitch
Auxiliary Machinery..........One 12kw Onan Diesel generating set

Any Questions?
Contact...
Petty Officer 1st Class MacKay
Marine Section
(250)890-3524

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