The Oceans Protection Plan established the Canadian Coast Guard’s first Arctic search and rescue station in 2018. It opened in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, as an Inshore Rescue Boat station. Through the next phase of the Oceans Protection Plan, the station will be enhanced to an Arctic Marine Response Station.
The Canadian Coast Guard will hire and train additional crew from local communities; extend the station’s operational season to better align with the full ice-free boating season in the area; procure an additional search and rescue vessel, purpose-built for Arctic operations; and, undertake additional infrastructure improvements to enhance operational capabilities.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s Station in Rankin Inlet provides maritime search and rescue services during the open-water season. Crews respond to distress calls that range from capsized vessels taking on water to medical emergencies.