Innovative Lifesaving Solutions (ILS) is a startup company established in October 2020 and located in Halifax, Canada.
The mission of ILS is to improve the International Search and Rescue System through innovation and training. To provide cost-effective technology and training in order to promote equity and cooperation.
The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) was adopted by an international conference held in Hamburg, Germany, in April 1979. As its title implies, this Convention is designed to improve existing arrangements and provide a framework for carrying out search and rescue operations. The goal of ILS is to bring the Convention and the International SAR system into the 21st century.
WHY WE CREATED ILS
ILS was founded with the sole objective of improving the International Search and Rescue System and facilitating the integration of new technologies as they become available.
WHO WE ARE
Marc Ouellette – Founder and CEO of ILS
A graduate of the Canadian Coast Guard College, Marc has divided his 20 years of operational experience between 10 years on vessels and 10 years at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax. He acted as a Rescue Specialist while performing the duties of a navigational officer on various vessels conducting buoy tending, scientific research, icebreaking, resupply and search and rescue. 10 years at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre allowed him to become an experienced SAR Mission Coordinator, perform the duties of the Regional Supervisor Maritime SAR, participate and plan numerous exercises to develop and validate protocols for mass rescue operations and search and rescue operations. Marc was also part of the workgroup that has recently developed and released new software for Maritime Search Planning.
“SAR is not a job, it is a passion. The Search and Rescue System represents a system of systems where all levels of government, volunteers and corporations work together to save lives.”
Sean Arbour – President of ILS
After studying Business Administration at St Mary’s University, Sean set a course for what would eventually lead him to his true passion: Search and Rescue. Completing a bachelor degree in Nautical Sciences and receiving his sea-going credentials layed the foundation for a 9 year career in SAR operations and SAR planning and coordination.
During his tenure at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax, Sean developed a specialty in International Capacity Building. Creating and delivering in-country training in Tanzania and Mozambique throughout 2018 and 2019, he discovered the importance of worldwide effective SAR infrastructure in fostering a healthy “blue economy”. Sean also became the international coordinator for the North Atlantic Maritime Rescue Coordination Conference and hosted the 2019 conference in Halifax Nova Scotia. He remains active with this group of over 2 dozen nations and holds conference calls quarterly to bring together the best minds in worldwide SAR for the purpose of continuing development and promotion of international cooperation.
In 2020, Sean began a facet of his next chapter: a Master’s in Disaster and Emergency Management.
Armed with a well honed understanding of the mechanics of Search and Rescue and a unique perspective on the international functions that facilitate and ensure safety of life at sea, Sean hopes to help create an organization that provides a bedrock of products and services which will offer a comprehensive solution to the ever growing challenges countries and agencies face regarding Search and Rescue.