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.

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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.

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.

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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, based on Tortola, was purchased and delivered to VISAR in 1994. It is an Halmatic Arctic 22' RIB, constructed in Hamble, England, under the supervision of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The Arctic 22 is approved by the UK Department of Transport as a fifteen-man rescue boat and many of its kind are in service in the North Sea offshore oil industry. The vessel is powered by twin 70hp outboards which have been immersion-proofed by the RNLI. This 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 Spirit in the Tortola base. We expect to take delivery of the new boat in the second half of 2006.

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.

Virgin Islands
Search & Rescue
PO Box 3042
Road Town Tortola
British Virgin Islands

Tel : +1 284 494 4357
Fax : +1 284 494 6613

E-Mail : admin@visar.org

VISAR’s help can be summoned in the BVI in several ways:

- Dialling 767 (SOS)
- Dialling 999 or 911
- Dialling 494 4357 (494-HELP)
- A distress call on VHF Channel 16

"WE NEVER SAY NO"