Basic Searcher Course

Registration Now Open for Spring 2025!

Important Notes Before Registration:

  • This course is only available to YKSAR members. Please complete the membership registration process before signing up for this training.
  • Course Cost: $50.00 (includes YKSAR membership).

Course Overview

This 70-hour combined classroom and field training course follows the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard for Basic Searcher. It is designed for individuals who wish to become active members of Yellowknife Search and Rescue (YKSAR) and play an essential role in search and rescue operations in the Northwest Territories.

Topics Covered

The course will include the following key topics:

  • Search Categories in the Northwest Territories
  • Government and Agency Roles
  • Overview of Search Management
  • Land Navigation (Compass, Map, and combined Map and Compass)
  • General Operations (Legal Issues, Packs, Clothing, Predator Awareness, Helicopter Safety, Hypothermia)
  • Lost Person Behaviour (Probability Zones, Behavior Profiles, Application to Search and Rescue)
  • Ground Search Techniques (Type I, II, III, IV searches, Clue Awareness, Scanning Techniques)
  • Communications (Radios, Satellite Phones, Cell Phones, SPOT Satellite Communication Device, InReach)

Training Schedule

Part 1: Classroom Session:

  • Date: May 30 – June 1, 2025
  • Times:
    • Friday: 7pm – 10pm
    • Saturday: 9am – 4pm and 6pm – 10pm
    • Sunday: 9am – 4pm
  • Location: Arctic Response

Part 2: Field Session:

  • Dates: June 6-8, 2025 (Overnight)
  • Times:
    • Continuous from 7:00 PM on June 6 through 7:00 PM on June 8
  • Location: Camp Connections, approximately 56 km down Highway 4 (Ingraham Trail)

Requirements

  • RCMP Criminal Record Check: Required to join YKSAR.
  • Active Participation: YKSAR members are expected to actively contribute to the organization’s activities.
  • Cross-Membership Agreements: If you belong to any of the following clubs, please indicate your affiliation on the registration form as some membership fees may be waived or reduced:
    • Somba K’e Paddling Club
    • Yellowknife Climbing Club
    • Great Slave Snowmobile Association

Course Capacity

  • Limited to 12 participants.

How to Register