Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue
The Search and Rescue station in Meaford is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, with 4 crew, 1 Captain, 1 Engineer, 1 Cook/Seaman and 1 Seaman/Rescue Specialist. The Station becomes active in mid to late April and closes in early December. The base consists of a 5 room house with garage.
The Meaford Search and Rescue Unit is home to the CCGC Spume, an Aruns-Class (310) Search and Rescue Vessel. Of aluminum rather than fibreglass construction, the Aruns have self-righting capability which makes them ideally suited for SAR operations in rough waters. Also available at the base is a high speed "Rigid Hull Inflatable" boat. The Cutter and the base are fitted with fire fighting equipment such as: fixed and portable fire pumps and hoses, breathing apparatus, mechanical tools and equipment and radio communication equipment. The base is also commonly used to support other government departments i.e. MNR, OPP and Military.