You don’t need to be superman to join. We have people from all walks of life; men and women. We believe that each dedicated member has something to offer to the organization.

There are six basic qualifications for operational searchers. The first two must be met to join the group.

1. Age – SG1 members must be 18 years old or older
2. Annual Membership – you must pay a $50 annual membership which goes largely to pay the liability insurance we carry. As soon as you pay, you are covered for all SG1 activities
3. Standard First Aid/CPR C – While you do not need this when you join, you will need it if you want to become a fully operational searcher
4. Criminal Reference Check – all SG1 members must get a Police Records Check – Service with the Vulnerable Sector done. Upon request, SG1 will provide you with a letter to prove you are a member. In some jurisdictions the police will waive the reference check charge if you present such a letter.
5. Basic Search and Rescue Course – SG1 normally presents this course twice a year. Course tuition is $125. It covers all the information you will need to pass the Ontario, Quebec and Emergency Response Institute exams that comprise the SG1 standards. These skills include navigation with map, compass and GPS, survival, body management, some additional first aid, search essentials, search techniques and the Incident Command System. The course is taught over two weekends. Because lost persons and your fellow searchers depend on you, attendance at the full course is mandatory as is attendance at a mock search that takes place after the course. (See Key Dates)
6. You need to be comfortable in the outdoors day or night and able to carry a light pack for extended periods in sometimes unfavourable terrain, weather or buggy conditions.