Québec, Quebec - The Canadian Coast Guard's seasonal search and rescue stations in Québec, Tadoussac, Kegaska, Rivière-au-Renard and Havre-Saint-Pierre, Québec will close on November 30, 2022. The Cap-aux-Meules station will close on December 31, 2022.
The Canadian Coast Guard's seasonal stations are strategically located to provide rapid assistance in order to minimize the risk of injury or loss of life, and to reduce the number and severity of maritime incidents and threats to the environment.
The stations' activities start in April, before boating season begins, and end in November or late December. Once winter sets in, the Canadian Coast Guard's rescue boats can no longer be used in the prevailing navigation conditions in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf, which include freezing spray and ice.
Winter search and rescue operations are carried out by the Canadian Coast Guard using icebreakers and other available vessels in the area, if required. We also partner with other government departments, for example, aircraft from the Department of National Defence are involved in search and rescue operations, as necessary.
Any marine emergency can be reported to the Canadian Coast Guard at all times at 1-800-463-4393 or through channel 16 on VHF radios.
