HARBOUR WATCH
The purpose of the Harbour Watch Patrol program is to provide a visible presence in the Nanaimo Harbour in an effort to deter crime and to observe and report any suspicious boats or situations to the appropriate authorities. Volunteers act as an extra set of eyes and ears in the community from a unique perspective. This is strictly an observe and report program, volunteers DO NOT intervene in situations or confront suspicious individuals.
The Nanaimo Harbour Watch Society (NHWS) is mandated to:
- Provide volunteer patrols of the Nanaimo Harbour and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
- Promote security measures that will protect vessels and water front property.
- Promote cooperation between water front businesses, boat owners, boating organizations and government agencies.
- Attend designated events in the harbour to assist with vessel traffic.
The Nanaimo Harbour Watch Society (NHWS) is a registered and incorporated Society with the Province of British Columbia and is governed by the provisions set out in the Society Act of British Columbia. The Society has operated since March 1998 and was created to provide a visible deterrence to criminal activity in the Nanaimo Harbour. All members of the NHWS are volunteers and the executive members are responsible for administering, supervising and managing the day to day operations of the Society and the Harbour Watch Patrol program.
VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Between 19 and 85 years of age
- Possess a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
- Possess a Restricted Operator’s Certificate Maritime card for the VHF radio operation
- Successfully pass a police information check
- Successfully pass a face to face interview
- Successfully pass reference checks
- Complete an orientation and on the water training
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Complete a Harbour Watch Society volunteer application form(see below) and a Police Information check obtained at the front counter of the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment.
- The above forms will need to be forwarded to the Community Policing Coordinator at the Nanaimo detachment along with photo copies of the PCOC and VHF cards.
- The Community Policing Coordinator will conduct reference checks and forward applicant’s contact information to the designated person at the Harbour Watch Society.
- Arrangements will be made by the Society representative for an interview to be conducted with the interested applicant.
- A Society representative will inform applicant if they have been accepted.
- If accepted, an orientation and training date will be set up for the applicant to complete the required orientation and training.