Seven Orca-class Patrol Craft Training (PCT) vessels recently conducted a formation exercise in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near Victoria, British Columbia.
Vessels taking part included PCT Orca, Raven, Renard, Wolf, Grizzly, Cougar, and Caribou.
The ORCA-class vessels operate year round in B.C. coastal waters and are frequent visitors in many of the smaller ports both on the Mainland and around Vancouver Island. In addition to their training mission, our naval tenders support regional community relations by appearing in local festivals and maritime events. While not specifically assigned an operational role, these vessels patrol coastal waters reporting suspicious activity, pollution infractions, and fishing violations. They are also frequently tasked for search and rescue operations or providing assistance to boaters in distress. Operation roles are on the rise, due to increased capabilities of the ORCA class vessels.
Regular force Boatswains, Engineers and Naval communicators personnel are employed at PCTS. In addition to their responsibilities associated with maintaining and operating the naval tenders, PCTS personnel perform a pivotal training role in sharing their experience and skills with Junior Officer and Non-Commissioned Member trainees.
Press Release, February 25, 2014, 2014; Image: Canadian Navy