I was on the parliamentary program last summer and saw how the SAR techs operate, rappelling down and taking people out of the water and whatnot. I think everybody admires their skill, their ability, their courage, and their willingness to risk their lives to save those in peril. I think we all agree that these are remarkable people doing a terrific job. Our question, as politicians, is what kind of recommendation should we make to ensure that this coverage is better? From Gander's point of view, additional assets and additional crew are an enhancement to the other values that you talked about.
I'm also interested in the fixed-wing aircraft. We looked at those studies. The National Research Council did a study on the operating requirements for fixed-wing aircraft. Initially, in the procurement process, they were told not to worry about search and rescue response times--they're already fixed, leave them alone. But it's pretty clear that the addition of a fixed-wing aircraft in Gander would enhance the ability to get somewhere quickly. Having a 30-minute response time 24 hours a day would also allow you to get a different type of plane, one that didn't have the same speed requirements. So I think that has risen to the surface as an important enhancement of the operations in Gander as well as the ability to respond to someone in distress. You may want to comment on that.
Mr. Johnson, would you elaborate a little more? People have been talking within the fishing community about this issue. How much of an issue is it for people in your profession who are generally out at sea 24 hours a day?