About VISAR

VISAR was founded in 1988, and was modelled on the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in the UK, the world's oldest lifeboat service. Like the RNLI, and many other lifeboat services in Europe, it is an independent, volunteer-based organisation funded almost entirely by charitable donations.

Since it was formed VISAR has carried out well over 450 search and rescue missions, helped more than 1,200 people in distress and saved over 40 lives.

Function

In the first few months of 1988, a team of development advisors from the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office was sent out to the British Virgin Islands to make development recommendations to the Government of the BVI. One of their recommendations was that the Government invite the group of people running the informal SAR service to create an "autonomous, para-professional, dedicated volunteer maritime search and rescue service."
VISAR’s function is simply stated – VISAR saves lives at sea.

Training

Search and Rescue can be a difficult and dangerous job, and it requires regular training and sincere dedication. Many of our volunteers do not come from a marine background, and so we have to provide first class training to make sure our crews have the skills they need to save lives.

Medical related emergencies account for almost 70% of all launches, and all active crew members have an up to date Emergency First Responder first aid qualification. In addition, we run training sessions on a weekly basis to enhance medical knowledge, and to give all crew members experience driving and operating the rescue boat in simulated distress situations. We have a close working relationship with the US Coast Guard, and run joint helicopter training sessions on a regular basis.

Rescue Boats

VISAR has two rescue boats, one based on Tortola and the other on Virgin Gorda. Together, these boats provide SAR cover for all of the islands and surrounding waters which make up the British Virgin Islands.

Spirit of Tortola II, based on Tortola, was purchased and delivered to VISAR in 2007. It is a TP Marine 28ft RIB, constructed in The Netherlands. The vessel is powered by twin 225hp outboards which have been immersion-proofed, his gives the boat the ability to recover from capsize and continue under its own power.

Gorda Peak, based on Virgin Gorda, is an Atlantic 21 purchased by VISAR from the RNLI in 2000. The Atlantic 21 is a modern all-weather lifeboat powered by twin outboards and capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots. Originally developed in 1972, they were designed to operate in river estuaries and along coastlines, where deeper draughted lifeboats are unable to operate.

VISAR is in the process of purchasing a new rescue boat, a 28 foot rib being manufactured to our design and specification by TP Marine, NV in Holland, to replace Gorda Peak in the Virgin Gorda base. We expect to take delivery of the new boat in the second half of 2009.

Equipment

Both boats are able to operate in very rough conditions and to provide emergency assistance to those in distress at sea. Each boat carries a full medical kit, an AED (automatic emergency defibrillator), a back-board and straps, two oxygen cylinders, search lights, two spare Fuel Caddies and life jackets for use by casualties. The boats also carry spare parts and tools in the case of breakdown, and are designed to provide protection for the crew in the case of an emergency, including capsize lights and a CO2 self-righting bag on the radar arch at the stern.