Canadian Coast Guard

While in Trois Rivieres, we met 3 members of the Search and Rescue division of the Canadian Coast Guard. Etienne, Miriam and Thomas were very enthusiastic about their jobs and were a delight to meet. They enjoyed the tour of our boat and remarked on how cool that it was so "old school". The CCG provides a wonderful service for cruising yachtsmen -- the ability to file and follow-up on a Sail Plan. Here's how it works: we contacted the Canandian Coast Guard and gave them pertinent information about our boat, crew, safety equipment on board, emergency contact information, etc. Then when we leave a port, we call them and tell them where we are headed and our ETA. When we arrive at our destination, we call them again and report our arrival. If they don't hear from us, they start searching, first by phone and radio, then with assets. This service has given us an added sense of comfort while we traveled in remote areas or when the seas kicked up. Surprisingly, there are very few cruising yachts up here. In fact, we've gone for days without seeing another boat, other than the occasional local fishing vessel.