As part of its ongoing training program, CCGA (NL) region has been delivering Marine Basic First Aid to its members.  Although, in order to become a member of CCGA (NL) - you do not need a first aid certificate.

A number of our members require a first aid certificate in order to keep their individual marine ticket valid.   In 2008/09 new regulations came into effect, by Transport Canada regarding first aid.  The Marine Advanced First Aid used to be a two day course.  That has been changed to a 5 day course, with more intense first aid training.  The two day course being offered now is called Marine Basic First Aid. 

Members requiring first aid for their continued proficiency endorsement are being asked to contact Transport Canada to determine which first aid course is required, whether it be the Marine Basic (2 day) or Marine Advanced (5 day) course. 

For members fishing on vessels under 65' the Marine Basic First Aid is sufficient.  If a member is interested in upgrading his FM ticket, then he would have to do the 5-day Marine Advanced First Aid course.  Due to financial restrictions we are unable to deliver this 5 day course.  

Each year in January the entire membership of CCGA (NL) is sent a renewal form in order to renew their membership and update their status.

Members are reminded to keep their status updated and send in this renewal form.  Failure to receive your renewal form back in the office in St. John's by March 31 will result in being removed from CCGA (NL) and loss of membership and years of service. 

In March, 2010 CCGA (NL) hosted a Training Seminar at the Hotel Gander for members from each of the 10 Administrative Districts.  

Three members from each district travelled to the Hotel Gander to participate in events such as Search and Rescue Planning, First Aid Refresher, Emergency Abandonment, and Marlin Splice.  

The day began with the inflation of a liferaft and an overview of its contents.  From there members practiced donning and doffing an Immersion Suit, jumping into a swimming pool, and actually swimming to an inflated raft and getting into and out of the raft. 

During the first aid refresher members had an opportunity to practice their first aid skills.  At the Search and Rescue Planning event members were given an opportunity to review search patterns and to plot a location on a chart.

This training is delivered by the Canadian Coast Guard's Search and Rescue department and members received the training from the best in the field.  All deemed the training to be very worthwhile.