What SIFA does

SIFA (Service Intervention Formation Aquatique) is a Quebec-based specialized safety and aquatic-rescue company founded in the late 2000s, employing approximately 11 people. Its core offering is technical training and certification in ice/cold-water rescue, swift-water and flood rescue, rope rescue, and remote-region first aid, delivered under recognized standards including NFPA 1006, IFSAC, ENPQ homologation, and Transport Canada PCPB approvals. The company also provides on-site safety monitoring for construction and infrastructure projects, equipment distribution (Mustang Survival, INDO, IR), rental of a fleet of roughly 10 rescue vessels, and direct intervention/rescue services.

The company serves a heavily public-sector and large-infrastructure customer base in Quebec and beyond, including ASP Construction (mandated partner since 2010), Hydro-Québec, the École nationale des pompiers du Québec (ENPQ), CNESST, the Ministère des Transports du Québec, Parcs Canada, Urgences-santé, MELCCFP, NouvLR (REM project), the New Champlain Bridge / Signature sur le Saint-Laurent, and various municipal fire services. SIFA's revenue mechanics combine fee-for-service training courses, retained on-site safety monitoring contracts, equipment sales and rentals, and paid intervention deployments.

Since 2021 SIFA has operated in commercial partnership with SIRIUSMEDx for remote first-aid training, and in 2023 was integrated into the SIRIUSMEDx family of companies, extending its distribution and product reach into a broader medical-rescue brand umbrella.

Name

SIFA

Legal name

Service Intervention Formation Aquatique (SIFA)

Website

https://sifainc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SIFA is a Quebec-based specialized safety firm providing NFPA/IFSAC-certified aquatic rescue training, on-site safety monitoring, equipment distribution, and intervention services to public-sector and large infrastructure clients across Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Rescue and Safety Services

NAICS

Fire Protection (92216), Security Guards and Patrol Services (561612), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities (922)

SIC

Services-Equipment Rental & Leasing, Nec (7359), Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)

akta.pro primary industry

Search & Rescue (Urban/Water/Wilderness) Coordination (HLAJAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disaster Response & Search and Rescue (SAR) (BPADADAA), Emergency Towage & Rescue (Disabled Vessel Assistance) (TLAHAIAA), Life-Saving Appliances & Safety Equipment (Davit Systems, Lifeboats, Firefighting) (IMAJAIAG), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF)

Keywords

• Water rescue training
• Nautical safety services
• Swift water rescue
• Ice rescue training
• Construction site monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Montreal (Quebec)

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Training Services: SIFA delivers professional training programs in water rescue, ice rescue, swift water rescue, wilderness first aid, and nautical safety to organizations including emergency services, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies. Programs are delivered in formats ranging from 2 to 40 hours and are accredited by the École nationale des pompiers du Québec, IFSAC, and Transport Canada. Training revenue is generated through course fees per participant or per group, with public course calendars and private group bookings available.
2. Safety Consulting Services: SIFA provides expert advisory services in nautical safety compliance, helping enterprises plan safety on water-adjacent worksites, draft rescue plans, analyze hazards, organize nautical rescue units, and ensure compliance with LSST, RSST, CSTC, and other applicable laws and regulations. Consulting fees are project-based or retainer-based.
3. On-site Construction Site Monitoring: SIFA provides dedicated monitoring teams (shore surveillance, boat intervention, ice field surveillance) deployed to construction sites near water bodies, ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance throughout the project duration. Revenue is generated through project contracts with construction firms, engineering companies, and government infrastructure projects.
4. Equipment Rental: SIFA rents out vessels and specialized rescue equipment to qualified businesses, municipalities, and emergency services whose personnel hold the required certifications. The fleet includes pneumatic boats (14, 16, 22 ft), the UMA 17 ice rescue boat, an 18 ft aluminum Jon Boat, and specialized equipment. Revenue is generated through rental fees per unit/time period, with some equipment requiring bar pilot and qualified crew.
5. Specialized Equipment Distribution: SIFA acts as a distributor of specialized water rescue and safety equipment across Canada to emergency services, industrial, and construction sectors. Revenue is generated through equipment sales, procurement advisory, and after-sale maintenance and spare parts services.
6. Intervention and Rescue Services: SIFA dispatches specialized rescue teams to respond to water emergencies and perform technical rescues at construction sites, film sets, events, and natural disaster scenarios (floods). Revenue is generated through emergency response contracts and pre-arranged service agreements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SIFA provides professional nautical rescue training, on-site safety monitoring, and specialized rescue intervention services for organizations working near or on water. The company delivers ENPQ/IFSAC-certified training programs (swift water rescue, ice rescue, wilderness first aid), consults on regulatory compliance with CSTC/RSST, deploys on-site construction monitoring teams, dispatches emergency rescue teams, and distributes and rents specialized rescue equipment and vessels. It serves construction firms, emergency services, municipalities, government agencies, and remote-region operators primarily across Quebec.

Product overview

SIFA (Service Intervention Formation Aquatique) is a Quebec-based provider of nautical rescue training, intervention services, and specialized safety equipment. Its portfolio spans professional training programs (including NFPA/IFSAC-certified programs in swift water rescue, ice rescue, and remote first aid), expert consulting services, construction site monitoring, on-demand rescue intervention, and equipment distribution and rental. Training programs are delivered under the École nationale des pompiers du Québec (ENPQ) certification and IFSAC accreditation. The equipment division distributes branded rescue gear (boats, dry suits, helmets, boots) from suppliers including Flow, NRS, Kask, Mustang Survival, and HAIX. The rental fleet includes pneumatic boats ranging from 14 to 22 feet, the UMA 17 ice rescue vessel, an 18-foot Jon Boat, and specialized equipment like the NRS ASR 155 Rescue Boat and NRS Rescue Board.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Training in Nautical and Specialized Rescue Professional training programs in nautical rescue, specialized rescue, ice rescue, swift water rescue, and isolated-region first aid for emergency services, construction firms, municipalities, and government agencies. Programs are certified by ENPQ, IFSAC, and aligned with NFPA standards, with formats ranging from 2 to 40 hours.
• Nautical Safety Consulting Expert advisory services on nautical safety, site analysis, prevention plans, rescue plans, regulatory compliance (RSST, CSTC, LSST), and safety equipment procurement for construction and engineering firms and government agencies.
• Equipment and Vessel Rental Rental of a fleet of 10 vessels including 14-ft, 16-ft, and 22-ft pneumatic boats, the UMA 17 ice rescue boat, and an 18-ft aluminum Jon Boat, along with specialized rescue equipment. All fleet vessels participate in Transport Canada's Small Vessel Compliance Program (PCPB).
• Nautical Rescue Intervention On-demand nautical and specialized rescue intervention services deployed for construction sites, film sets, event venues, and natural disaster response (floods), staffed by highly specialized rescue professionals available through emergency response contracts and pre-arranged service agreements.
• Specialized Equipment Distribution Distribution of specialized nautical rescue and safety equipment across Canada, including vessels, personal flotation devices, dry suits, helmets (KASK), and boots, from suppliers such as NRS, Mustang Survival, Kokatat, KASK, HAIX, Flow, and others, with procurement advisory and after-sale maintenance.
• Construction Site Monitoring Nautical safety monitoring services for construction sites near water, including riverside surveillance teams, boat-based intervention teams, and ice field monitoring, ensuring compliance with Chapter 11 of the Code de sécurité pour les travaux de construction (CSTC).
• Swift Water and Flood Zone Rescue Training Three-phase NFPA 1006-aligned training program (Awareness 8h, Operations 24h, Technician 8h) covering swift water and flood zone rescue, including flood-specific hazards, decontamination, specialized equipment, and WHS/SST regulatory components. Certified by ENPQ and IFSAC.
• Ice Rescue and Cold Water Training NFPA 1006 (chapters 19.1, 19.2, 19.3) and IFSAC-accredited training for ice and cold water rescue at three levels (Awareness, Operations, Technician). Certified by ENPQ and IFSAC, with government financial aid available through Quebec's Ministry of Public Security.
• Secourisme en régions isolées (First Aid in Isolated Regions) SIRIUSMEDx-certified wilderness and remote first aid training in 20-hour or 40-hour formats, covering trauma care, patient assessment, leadership, and specialized first aid kits, considered the minimum standard for professionals in isolated work environments.
• Brevet d'opérateur nautique / Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC/CCEP) Official Canadian boating license training leading to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC/CCEP), recognized by the Société de sauvetage du Québec and Transport Canada. Theoretical training of 6 hours with no prerequisites.
• Restricted Maritime Radio Operator Certificate (VHF-ASN) Training for the Canadian government-issued Restricted Maritime Radio Operator Certificate covering VHF radio operation, distress communications, ASN radio use, and maritime radio regulations, offered only in Quebec.

Quantifiable outcome

• Zero worker drownings on Quebec construction sites since 2015, following the introduction of CSTC Chapter 11 and associated training.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, key and supporting.

• SIRIUSMEDxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIRIUSMEDx is a 30+ year leader in first aid training and remote area medical services. SIFA partners with SIRIUSMEDx to deliver the Sirius Secourisme en régions isolées (wilderness first aid) program. SIFA instructor François Denis achieved SIRIUSMEDx certification, and SIFA offers SIRIUSMEDx-certified training that includes RCR-DEA certification. This partnership extends SIFA's service offering into remote area emergency medical care.
• ASP Construction (Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail — Secteur construction)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2010, SIFA has been mandated by ASP Construction as the exclusive representative for delivering the Prévention en milieu riverain (Riverbank Prevention) training program to construction workers and employers. This partnership is central to SIFA's role in the Quebec construction industry's water safety compliance ecosystem. The free 7-hour theoretical course is available to all contributing construction workers.
• École nationale des pompiers du Québec (ENPQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIFA collaborates with ENPQ to develop and homologate professional rescue training programs meeting the highest standards. Programs developed by SIFA (Sauvetage en eau vive et zone inondée, Sauvetage sur glace et en eau froide) are filed with and certified by ENPQ. ENPQ is the only entity in Quebec authorized to certify training as NFPA-compliant. Graduates receive diplomas bearing both ENPQ and IFSAC seals.
• Hydro-QuébecmajorOthersSIFA has worked on major Hydro-Québec construction projects and serves as an expert in delivering water-adjacent work prevention training for Hydro-Québec workers. SIFA's role includes both training and active participation in project safety execution.
• APSAM (Association paritaire pour la santé et la sécurité du travail — Secteur municipal)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor 3 years, SIFA has collaborated with APSAM to develop and deliver a training program for managers, workers, and safety committees planning and organizing water-adjacent work. The program Travaux à proximité de l'eau ou sur l'eau was created in collaboration with APSAM for the municipal sector.
• NouvLRmajorOthersSIFA partnered with NouvLR to train hundreds of workers on the REM (Réseau express métropolitan) light rail transit project, supporting NouvLR's achievement of the highest health and safety standards for work near water along the project's infrastructure.
• Flow (embarcations et équipements nautiques)supportingTechnology or IntegrationFlow is an independent designer and manufacturer of boats and water equipment. SIFA collaborates with Flow's designers to offer FLOW products through its equipment distribution service, tailored to the needs of SIFA's clientele.
• Sécurité LandrysupportingTechnology or IntegrationSécurité Landry is a Quebec company with 80+ years of experience securing emergency interventions and work-at-height operations. SIFA relies on Sécurité Landry as a partner for sourcing the best available safety equipment, including height access and rescue equipment.
• Desjardins SportsupportingTechnology or IntegrationDesjardins Sport is a family business established in Saint-Jérôme since 1956, operating in the marine sector for 60+ years. Their team ensures that SIFA's boat fleet remains in peak operational condition.
• Urgences-santékeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrgences-santé is a Quebec public paramedical society handling 40–50% of Quebec's emergency calls. In addition to receiving training from SIFA, SIFA benefits from Urgences-santé's expertise to elevate its own standards in patient management during rescue operations, creating a mutual knowledge exchange.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Rescue 3 International: Rescue 3 International delivers NFPA 1006-aligned swift water, ice, and rope rescue training globally and is one of the most recognized names in technical water rescue education. SIFA's curricula and IFSAC accreditation align directly with the Rescue 3 ecosystem, making it the closest international direct peer.
• S\u00e9curit\u00e9 Landry: Quebec-based company with 80+ years of experience in emergency intervention and work-at-height safety services. Currently listed as a SIFA partner through equipment supply, but operates in directly overlapping safety services, training, and intervention markets in Quebec.
• Mar-Kel: Canadian water rescue equipment manufacturer and training provider offering rescue PFDs, throw bags, and water-rescue training programs. Closely comparable to SIFA in the equipment distribution and training dimensions, with a similar mix of municipal and emergency services customers.

Emerging players

• APSAM (Association paritaire pour la sant\u00e9 et la s\u00e9curit\u\u00e9 du travail \u2014 Secteur municipal): Quebec joint sector-based association for municipal worker health and safety, with which SIFA has co-developed a training program (Travaux \u00e0 proximit\u00e9 de l'eau ou sur l'eau). APSAM's role as both training developer and indirect competitor in the municipal water-safety space makes it a credible adjacent peer.
• Conf\u00e9d\u00e9ration des pompiers du Qu\u00e9bec: Quebec firefighter federation representing municipal fire services and providing continuing education. Represents an emerging / thematic peer in fire and emergency training, with potential overlap in water rescue curriculum delivery across Quebec fire departments.

Others

• NRS (Northwest River Supplies): U.S.-based manufacturer of water rescue equipment and boats (the NRS ASR 155 Rescue Boat and NRS Rescue Board are both in SIFA's fleet). Operates as a critical supplier / enabling partner to SIFA, and as a broader training resource for water rescue professionals.

Broad incumbents

• St. John Ambulance (Quebec / Canada): National charity and safety training incumbent offering first aid, CPR, and emergency response training across Canada. A broad incumbent that competes for training mandates from municipalities and enterprises, and could expand into water-rescue training as a complement to its existing first aid portfolio.
• SIRIUSMEDx: SIFA's parent company since 2023 and a 30+ year leader in remote first aid and wilderness medical training. SIRIUSMEDx provides the broader first aid and risk management franchise that SIFA now operates within, with overlapping certification programs (SIRIUSMEDx Secourisme en r\u00e9gions isol\u00e9es) and a shared customer base of remote workers and emergency services.
• Association paritaire pour la sant\u00e9 et la s\u00e9curit\u00e9 du travail \u2014 Secteur construction (ASP Construction): Quebec joint sector-based association for construction worker health and safety that has mandated SIFA as its training representative since 2010. Operates the broader regulatory framework around construction site safety that drives SIFA's training demand, making it both a critical partner and a structural ecosystem anchor.

Regional players

• Aqua-Fiber Inc. Canadian provider of water rescue services and equipment serving municipalities and industrial clients. Comparable to SIFA in the equipment distribution and intervention services dimensions, with overlapping customers in Quebec and Ontario municipal markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sifainc

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SIFA