Jack Price, coxswain, shipwright, and shift coordinator at the Toronto Search and Rescue Marine (TSAR), is a passionate advocate for maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations. His journey, which began in the coastal town of Bantry, West Cork, Ireland, is evidence of his unwavering dedication and love for his work. His deep-rooted connection to the maritime world, fostered through his love for water sports and formal training from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), has only deepened over the years. 

 “Competing for Team Ireland in the Atlantic Challenge and receiving formal training from the RYA in West Cork and Galway honed my seamanship skills,” Jack said. 

His extensive experience includes yacht deliveries across Northern Europe, joint searches for lost vessels, and towing exercises with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), sparking his interest in maritime SAR.

After immigrating to Toronto, Canada, in 2012, he coached youth in sailing and rowing classical wooden gigs. The vibrant Toronto waterfront and Western Lake Ontario offered many boating activities. During the very high-frequency (VHF) radio calls for water incidents and the sight of TSAR2 in action, Jack's interest in TSAR was piqued, leading him to join the organisation in 2019.

Jack's decision to join TSAR was not just a career move but proof of his passion for boating and his desire to contribute to the safety of the Toronto boating community. 

Jack emphasised: “The dedication and commitment of TSAR and its crew and leaders to teaching, mentoring, and serving new recruits and the community reassured me of the importance of my decision to become a part of this vital organisation.”

Throughout his SAR career, Jack has experienced numerous highlights. Beyond successful taskings, he cherishes the teaching moments with boaters around Toronto. Educating both new and seasoned boaters about TSAR’s mission, essential equipment, proper lifejacket fitting, and general seamanship has been rewarding. 

“The positive reception and appreciation from the community further underscore the importance of TSAR's work. Engaging with and aiding the community is a career highlight”, he added.

TSAR has been involved in numerous multi-departmental search and rescue exercises (SAREXs) and collaborative searches over the years. These include the Canadian Coast Guard, Toronto Marine Police Unit, Toronto Fire Services, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), and other Coast Guard Auxiliary units. TSAR also has a close relationship and training arrangement with PARA Marine and works with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Rescue 424 Tiger Squadron.

“One notable operation was a continuous 36-hour SAR mission in the summer of 2022. This operation involved multi-vessel search patterns along northwest Lake Ontario between Toronto and Oakville, led by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton and Prescott Coast Guard Radio. 

“The operation exemplified excellent command and coordination, with crews from various SAR units working together towards a common goal,” he added. 

Despite TSAR's growth and the addition of enthusiastic new crew members, challenges persist. One significant challenge is fundraising, as private donations primarily fund it. 

Jack emphasised: “Rising fuel, equipment, and vessel maintenance costs necessitate ongoing fundraising efforts. Currently, TSAR is raising funds for a new SAR vessel, with the fundraising team working tirelessly to ensure the organisation's sustainability.”

Advancements in technology have significantly improved TSAR's SAR operations. Recent additions to their rescue vessel include a new chart plotter for the navigation station, which is connected to the helm's multifunction display (MFD). This integration allows for seamless navigation, displaying routes, waypoints, man-overboard (MOB) information, and instrument readings for the helm.

“Crew safety is paramount, and a new MOB alert system ensures swift response in emergencies. Additionally, TSAR now utilises scheduling software to plan training shifts, community events, on-call shifts, and meetings more efficiently,” he concluded.

TSAR members are its strongest and most passionate ambassadors. Through social media campaigns, they collaborate and engage with their community. Creating public awareness and support is crucial to TSAR. 

“It is important that we foster camaraderie and often arrange crew BBQs,” he concluded.