2012-13 Departmental Performance Report

Sub-Program 3.1.1 – Search and Rescue Coordination and Response

Description

Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Coordination and Response Program provides coordination and response services to increase the likelihood of survival of people at risk of loss of life or injury in the maritime environment, by ensuring they have access to assistance by: coordinating and delivering on-water response to maritime search and rescue cases, and supporting the safety of life at sea; assisting the Department of National Defence in response to aeronautical and humanitarian cases; providing search and rescue response capacity; and managing partnerships essential for the efficient coordination of activities. Through communicating, coordinating, and delivering maritime search and rescue response and operational awareness, the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Program increases the chances of rescue for people caught in dangerous on-water situations. Coast Guard's Fleet Operational Readiness and Marine Communications and Traffic Services are integral contributors to the delivery of this activity. Legal basis or authority for the Search and Rescue Coordination and Response Program is found in the Constitution Act, 1867, the Oceans Act, and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Financial Resources ($ millions)

Planned Spending
2012-13		 Actual Spending
2012-13		 Difference
2012-13
30.1 33.0 2.9

Human Resources (full-time equivalents)

Planned
2012-13		 Actual
2012-13		 Difference
2012-13
170 148 -22

Note: Variance between planned and actual human resources is the result of approved transformation initiatives implemented in 2012-13, across the Agency.

Performance Results, Analysis, and Lessons Learned

Expected
Result		 Performance
Indicator		 Target Actual Result
People in maritime distress are assisted Percentage of responses to calls for assistance in proportion to requests 100%
by March 31, 2013		 Result: 100%
Maintained 2011-12 result of 100%.
Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue responses Percentage of primary search and rescue vessels meeting reaction time of 30 minutes or less for maritime incidents 99%
by March 31, 2013		 Result: 97%
Maintained 2011-12 result of 97%.
Lesson Learned: Delayed responses are often due to factors outside Coast Guard control (ex. waiting for an ambulance or police service) or are mutually agreed upon late departures with no negative impact to the client.

The Search and Rescue Coordination and Response Sub-Program is part of the Search and Rescue Services Program.

Program Evaluation... In 2011-12, the Department completed the Evaluation of the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Programs.