In a first, North Shore Rescue approved for night vision technology

North Shore Rescue is the first ground search and rescue organization approved for a pilot project for a night-vision imaging system (NVIS).

Currently, night vision technology use is restricted to official organizations, such as police or military.

The province has changed the policy to allow search and rescue groups to apply to pilot the technology that will help with their searches.

That means search and rescue volunteers can extend their search time by helicopter, helping them find lost people in darkness.

North Shore Rescue applied to the province for the capability.

The volunteer group will use helicopter night-vision goggles, which will help with aerial searches and transportation in low-light or night-time operations.

North Shore Rescue’s application was approved due to the proximity of its response area to a large urban centre, a high percentage of low-light responses, as well as the technical and remote terrain.

“Having NVIS capability will decompress the time-sensitive nature of these operations, reducing the risk of adverse events,” said Mike Danks, team leader for North Shore Rescue.

“This has been a long journey for both Talon Helicopters and North Shore Rescue to attain, and we truly appreciate the support and collaboration from our community partners and all levels of government.”

The NVIS pilot project will gather essential data on how night-vision capability can improve search and rescue responses.

“North Shore Rescue is leading the way once again,” said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. “As we approach the longest nights of the year, I’m comforted in knowing that this pilot project will enable the use of night-vision equipment that will help search and rescue crews save lives.”