British Columbia's mining laws require that trained mine rescue personnel and mine rescue equipment be maintained at all mines. To this end, basic mine rescue training courses are conducted at mining properties across the province so that miners have an opportunity to learn the skills mine rescue teams require. Once the basic skills are learned, many hours of training and practice are needed to develop a competent mine rescue team that can work together and with other teams to accomplish rescue objectives in the event of a mine disaster. Every year, the Provincial Mine Rescue and First Aid Competition offer mine rescue teams a unique opportunity to hone their skills.