Are you a member of the coast guard? How can it cope with staff shortages?

[CBC News]

More than a quarter of Canadian Coast Guard staff are scheduled to retire in the next five years, triggering staff shortages just as the country looks to increase its fleet sizes, especially in the Arctic, officials say.
About 70 per cent of the coast guard's 4,500 employees are between 40 and 59 years old, with the average age being 45.
The Coast Guard is actively looking for solutions, including revitalizing its college in Sydney, N.S.
The school is adding staff, increasing budget and opening up more spaces for students. It's also holding more open houses, and getting information out to potential students through Facebook.
Suzanne Drouin, the college's executive director, said they are looking to recruit all types of future officers, especially those with skills in engineering and navigation.
FULL STORY
Are you a member of the coast guard? How can it cope with staff shortages?


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[darkbeaver]

Our beach patrol must be strengthened to eliminate the potential influx of sea-borne terrorists who have in the past infiltrated in the guise of lobstermen.

 

[#juan]

Until last year I was a member of the Canadian Auxiliary Coast Guard. Running a largish(34 foot) powerboat has recently got to be an even more expensive proposition. The price of marine fuel has about doubled in the last couple of years and it was already more expensive than road fuel. Think about 12 gallons per hour at $5.85 per gallon.

http://www.ccga-gcac.org/