Like a climax of an action movie: SeaBus conducts security exercise
Like a climax of an action movie: SeaBus conducts security exercise
Burrard Inlet looked like a set of an action movie when Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) conducted their annual security exercise on the SeaBus in early March.
Developed by the RCMP’s Critical Incident Program, the exercise provided a safe learning environment where RCMP Air and Marine Services, Underwater Recovery Team, Emergency Response Teams, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, CMBC’s Corporate Safety team, and SeaBus crews went through mock scenarios to train and assess emergency response procedures.
During the exercise, RCMP Emergency Response Team members boarded the Burrard Otter II SeaBus from helicopters and high-speed crafts to rescue passengers and staff from a security situation.
CMBC routinely conducts safety and security drills that align with Transport Canada Emergency preparedness mandate. At least once a year, CMBC teams up with external to do security exercises. In addition, SeaBus crews practice drills like abandon ship, medical emergencies, and fire protocols.
“The more we practice drills, the more it’ll become second nature for us to do them,” says Akhil Batra, Manager of SeaBus Operations. “I find them extremely helpful because we can mock different scenarios, test equipment, and learn whom to liaise with in every situation.”
Let’s take a closer look at scenes during the security exercise on the SeaBus.
Staying safe on the SeaBus
The SeaBus is designed with our customers’ safety in mind. At the beginning of a SeaBus trip, we play a safety video showing where the four emergency exits (muster stations) are, where to find life jackets and how to use them. Watch and look for those areas mentioned in the video on the SeaBus to familiarize yourself!
There’s also an onboard communication system that keeps SeaBus crews in touch with a contact point 24 hours a day, seven days a week who provide support in the event of safety or security issues.
If you see something, say something — report any issues to a uniformed transit employee or by texting Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 87.77.77. Visit our Safety and Security page to learn more.
