Shockwave Seats has been providing marine suspension to the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Stations for almost twenty years, and Station 29 based at Ladysmith, B.C. is one of the busiest RCMSAR hubs in the province. Station 29 operates a high speed rigid hull inflatable marine rescue craft, Community Spirit, equipped with a Shockwave ICE console.
“The ICE configuration increases crew comfort and safety while operating in all weather, lessening crew fatigue and loss of crew operating efficiency and attention,” says Sue Wisely, RCMSAR 29 Station Leader.
“While conditions are often calm, the ICE unit has performed very well in powerful standing waves or gale force winds in excess of 40 knots and chaotic steep seas,” she added. The Station responds to marine emergencies including kayakers in difficulty, damaged and sinking vessels, broken down vessels, groundings, collisions, searches for lost persons and vessels, medical emergencies requiring stabilization and transport of casualties, and marine pollution investigations and reporting.
The Station assists other first responders including Fire/Rescue, Ambulance Service, Coast Guard, RCMP, land Search and Rescue, the Coroner, and provides safety escort for Yacht Club, community and secondary school events, fireworks patrol and other marine safety functions.
Over the last ten years the Station’s ICE-equipped vessel has responded to hundreds of marine emergencies resulting in awards and commendations.
In 2024 Station 29 was the most active RCMSAR station in British Columbia.
