Waterfront

EC-SAR is a highly motivated group of volunteer students who are dedicated to serving the community. Although students do not receive pay or academic credit for their participation, intrinsic rewards and the opportunity to learn and practice unique skills are the motivators for membership.

Members volunteer 12-15 hours each week for training, meetings, and equipment repair. In addition, students are on call for one 24-hour period every three days. They patrol the waters of Tampa Bay on weekends, and they monitor radio calls during the evenings.

Team Staff monitor every student’s academic performance, as this is each student’s first priority. The program’s staff helps students learn to manage their time so that EC-SAR does not cause a conflict with their academic life and students are able to fulfill their commitment to the team.

The high expectations placed upon members elevates the commitment level among students, and introduces a level of camaraderie, pride, and performance that has allowed the program to earn its reputation as being of the highest quality. Participation as a student member of EC-SAR develops maturity and discipline, and instills a commitment to volunteerism that will benefit their community after graduation.

EC-SAR students train rigorously in a program designed to build both skill and conceptual understanding of the procedures used in maritime search and rescue.

Each member participates in an intensive, nine-month training program designed to develop a standard proficiency level in the basic skills:

• Phase I, II, and III: Required progression for all first year team members covering basic seamanship, marlinespike, and rescue techniques.
• Second Mate: Further development into advanced rescue techniques.

After completing these sequences of training, interested members may then pursue specialized training in:

• First Mate: Go aboard vessels we assist, lead crew and run deck aboard SRU.
• Coxswain: Pilot single outboards on cases of lower complexity.
• Boat Captain: Pilot larger rescue vessels on more complex cases.

Students also learn how to function in our Operations/Communication center:

• Radio Operator: Monitors VHF, 800mHz, and phone communications. Assists in the completion of computerized case records.
• Operations Coordinator: Supervise the Operations/Communications center and assist the SAR Coordinator in decision-making and case progression.

The first Phase of training is complete as a trial to full team membership. Upon successful completion of Phase I, trainees are invited to sign a one-year service contract to continue their participation.

Area Covered

• Tampa and Boca Ciega Bay (Surrounding waters of Southern Pinellas County)
• Northern Boundary – John’s Pass: 27º48.50 N
• Southern Boundary – Longboat Pass: 27º26.00 N
• Approximately 10 miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico: 082º55.70

Assistance Provided

All Services are Free of Charge, Offered 24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week

• Towing to Nearest Safe Mooring
• Search and Rescue Services
  • Coordinating Searches for missing persons or overdue vessels
  • Dewatering sinking vessels
  • Firefighting
  • Pulling vessels from aground
• Responding to Pinellas County 9-1-1, Maritime Rescue Calls as a Basic Life Support Provider (BLS) in EC-SAR’s service area.

How to Contact EC-SAR

• (727) 864-8256 – Press 3 when prompted after hours.
• VHF 16/68
• Through Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg
• Specify “Eckerd College Search and Rescue”

Information to Give EC-SAR

• Nature of Distress
• Location
• Number of Persons on Board
• Description of Vessel
• VHF Channel or Phone number for Recontact