Registration deadline for the spring 2026 Basic Searcher Course is May 25, 2026.
- Registration: This course is only available to YKSAR members
- Course Cost: Included in YKSAR membership
- Course Capacity: Limited to 12 participants
- Prerequisites:
- Membership Application Process must be completed before registering for this training
- RCMP Criminal Record Check (required to join YKSAR)
Description
This 70-hour combined classroom and field training course follows the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) requirements for Basic Searcher certification. It is designed for individuals who wish to become active members of Yellowknife Search and Rescue (YKSAR) and play an essential role in Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) operations in the Northwest Territories.
Course Overview
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 29-31, 2026
- Times:
- Friday: 7pm – 10pm
- Saturday: 9am – 4pm and 6pm – 10pm
- Sunday: 9am – 4pm
- Location:
- TBD, in Yellowknife
Part 2: Field Session:
- Dates: June 5-7, 2026 (Overnight)
- Times:
- Continuous from 7:00 PM on June 5 through 7:00 PM on June 7, 2026
- Location: TBD, outside of Yellowknife (rides can be arranged if needed)
Notes
- Active Participation: YKSAR members completing this training are expected to actively contribute to the organization’s activities and be regularly available for SAR callouts
- 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