A trio of south Island rescue groups are better prepared after a series of rescue scenarios in some of the busiest coastal B.C. harbours.

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) Station 37 in Sooke recently tackled training sessions on the Kongsberg simulator alongside members from sister stations based in Oak Bay and Victoria.

Kongsberg Digital offers a range of advanced maritime simulators that offer highly realistic training environments, replicating various maritime scenarios with accurate visuals and sounds, the Sooke group explained on social media.

The training simulators are used by organizations such as BC Ferries and the Canadian Navy.

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Training at the RCMSAR headquarters in East Sooke included night navigation through complex waterways and a simulated night rescue for survivors of an overturned boat in Vancouver Harbour.

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The three volunteer search and rescue groups, and two others based Sidney and Brentwood Bay, provide 24/7 emergency response every day of the year on the south Island.

There are more than 30 stations across the coast. Learn more at .