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.