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Virgin Islands Search And Rescue -VISAR saves lives at sea in British Virgin Islands
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Whether it is for a vessel in distress or the more common medical emergency afloat, a call to The Virgin Islands Search And Rescue - known by VISAR - will result in triggering the most competent marine first responders in the Caribbean.
An all-volunteer organization, headquartered in Road Town, Tortola, the team is comprised of individuals from all walks of life who are highly trained to meet VISAR's role as the primary search and rescue organization in the BVI.
The responders in the organization come from diverse - and not necessarily marine-related - occupations including lawyers, accountants, schoolteachers, and shopkeepers. While many have considerable experience in marine areas as boat captains, divers or repair technicians, all VISAR crewmembers receive thorough - and regular - training in all required disciplines.
All photos in this article and accompanying slide show are courtesy of the photographer: Paul Hubbard of Rainbow Visions Photography
As noted by the VISAR website: "VISAR's function is simply stated - VISAR saves lives at sea."
Since 70% of their responses involve medical emergencies, their training policy requires all crewmembers to have a current Emergency First Responder First Aid certification. In addition, training is given to enable any crewmember to handle the rescue boats in simulated distress conditions.
Two sophisticated rescue craft are operated - one based on Tortola and the other on Virgin Gorda. Both are high-powered RIB's (Rigid Inflatable Boat) that offer speed, seaworthiness and excellent stability for their intended uses.
Each boat carries a full medical kit, an AED (automated external 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 compressed air self-righting bag on the radar arch at the stern.
VISAR's mission may seem simple, but the diversity of the types of emergencies to which they respond is large. Along with the expected assistance to vessels in distress due to groundings or mechanical emergencies, medical calls can run the gamut from minor injuries to major trauma. With the increased visits of cruise ships to Road Town - Tortola's capitol and major port - responders are often called upon to assist in emergencies there as well.
While U. S. sailors may be assisted at times of distress by the U. S. Coast Guard, their proximity - in .jpg)
the neighboring USVI islands of St. Thomas and St. John - does not allow them to be a primary source of assistance.
VISAR notes that: "Unlike the United States, the BVI does not have the luxury of relying on the US Coast Guard. VISAR and the US Coast Guard have a close working relationship, they have assisted us many times in the past during rescue operations with helicopters, manpower and further expertise. However, this territory is out of their jurisdiction, and search and rescue in the British Virgin Islands is our responsibility"
VISAR is funded almost entirely by charitable donation and relies very heavily on the financial support of the local community. A small donation of $2.per person aboard to support VISAR is requested of visiting sailors and is usually collected as part of charter boat fees by most charter companies.
Contributions to support the organization can be made through their website. In addition, a complete online store offers VISAR branded items that help support their humanitarian and safety efforts.
VISAR can be reached through Channel 16 VHF or by phone at 999, 911 or 767(SOS)
Please see the slide show for addtional images and information.
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