Port Stanley’s Volunteer Marine Search & Rescue Unit
Orange Force Marine Ltd. (OFM) is proud to support marine safety on Central Lake Erie through its volunteer contribution to Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) Unit 544 – Port Stanley.
Working within Canada’s national volunteer-based Search and Rescue (SAR) system, OFM strengthens on-water response capability in one of the Great Lakes’ most active and weather-sensitive regions.
Strengthening Local SAR Capability
Recognizing a gap in SAR coverage along the north shore of Lake Erie, Orange Force Marine worked in collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary to:
Form CCGA Unit 544 – Port Stanley (in 2019) to service the Canadian waters of Central Lake Erie from Long Point to Erieau (1500 square nautical miles)
Support unit governance, leadership, and operational SAR readiness
Recruit experienced local mariners with strong knowledge of Lake Erie conditions
Align training and operations with CCGA national standards
The result is an increased ability to respond quickly and effectively to marine emergencies, reducing risk to life and improving outcomes for mariners in distress.
On-Water SAR Operations
Through CCGA Unit 544, Orange Force Marine contributes directly to front-line SAR operations in support of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton and partner first responder agencies.
Unit activities include:
Marine search and rescue response to persons and vessels in distress on Lake Erie
On-water patrols during peak boating seasons
Assistance to Canadian Coast Guard and local authorities during multi-agency incidents
Early intervention and safety presence to help prevent emergencies
These efforts are focused on saving lives and enhancing marine safety across Central Lake Erie.
Professional Standards and Readiness
Our team places a strong emphasis on professionalism, safety, training, and preparedness through:
Specialized SAR vessels equipped for Lake Erie conditions
Volunteer crews trained in accordance with CCGA and Transport Canada standards
Regular training exercises and continuous skills development
A safety-first approach consistent with the Canadian Coast Guard mandate
Working with First Responder Partners
Effective SAR depends on strong partnerships. CCGA Unit 544 works closely with:
The Canadian Coast Guard and JRCC Trenton
Local police, fire, and emergency services
Marine operators, marinas, municipalities and community stakeholders
These partnerships ensure coordinated, professional responses during marine emergencies and contribute to a resilient regional SAR network resulting in increased community safety.
Volunteer Recruitment
CCGA Unit 544 – Port Stanley is a volunteer-based organization and welcomes service-oriented, safety-minded, local mariners who want to give back to their community.
Volunteers receive:
Nationally recognized Marine SAR training
Transport Canada commercial marine certifications
Opportunities to serve alongside Canada’s first responders
Unique experiences and mariner knowledge in challenging situations.
The opportunity to make a direct impact on public safety on Central Lake Erie
If you are a motivated individual interested in volunteering to help your fellow community members in the challenging marine environment, we encourage you to learn more about joining the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary.
A Commitment to Public Safety
The formation of CCGA Unit 544 – Port Stanley reflects Orange Force Marine’s commitment to public service, maritime professionalism, and community safety.
We are honoured to support the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary and to serve the mariners and communities of Central Lake Erie.
