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Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR)Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to saving life at sea in the waters around the British Virgin Islands.VISAR provides 24-hour coverage every day of the year, in cooperation with the Royal British Virgin Islands police, fire and ambulance services. VISAR also has a close working relationship with the United States Coast Guard, and is internationally recognised by the International Lifeboat Federation (ILF) as a full member. VISAR is an independent, volunteer-based organisation funded almost entirely by charitable donations. Since it was formed in 1988, VISAR has carried out well over 300 search and rescue missions, helped more than 1,200 people in distress, and saved over 200 lives. Although VISAR is not a mobile ambulance service, its crews are skilled in handling medical emergencies of every kind. These have involved injuries sustained in accidents on board or while exploring ashore, and problems encountered while snorkelling, diving or swimming, including occasionally life-threatening reactions to jelly fish stings or sudden illness. VISAR's volunteers come from all walks of life. They undergo rigorous training in seamanship and small boat-handling skills, as well search and rescue techniques and first aid, including CPR. They give up their own time to train and answer distress calls with nothing in return except the satisfaction of knowing that they are performing a vital job. With the significant growth in charter yachting and boating in the BVI, the demand for VISAR's service has growing annually. |
VI Search & Rescue
