Home - VISAR

There are 8766 hours in a year.

Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors, and donations from people like you,
Virgin Islands Search And Rescue can be on call for all of them.

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All proceeds submitted through this website allow VISAR to respond to marine emergencies and save lives at sea 24/7/365.

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Our Mission is to save lives at sea.

Virgin Islands Search And Rescue is a Non-Profit Organisation

VISAR relies entirely on donations from members, corporate sponsors and fundraising efforts, in order to stay in operation. Much of our support comes from the Bareboat Charter Community in the form of a program that began in 1981 called "Dollar Per Person."

Training and cooperation with the United States Coast Guard

The British Virgin Islands, being near to Puerto Rico and the USVI, provide VISAR unique opportunities to cross-train with US Coast Guard crew. This train is to benefit both crews in the event there is ever need for medical evacuation from the sea.

A warm thanks to all of our supporters and sponsors.

Without your exceedingly generous contributions, this organisation simply would not be what is it today. From all of the Volunteers, Crew, and Board of Directors, we lend our most sincere gratitude.

Common areas for Marine Emergencies.

The locations have been chosen based on historical data.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

This popular tourist destination sees a lot of traffic from cruise ship passengers and over night visitors to the BVI. Common shouts from the Baths are typically medical emergencies during high season. This location can be particularly dangerous if accompanied by rough sea conditions. Water activities such as snorkelling and swimming near boulders can be hazardous, especially if alcohol is involved. Pay attention to sea conditions and mind any warning flags posted. Keep an eye out for urchins and jellyfish.

The Bight, Norman Island

Day trippers, resident boaters, and charter yachts rarely miss a chance to visit the Bight at Norman Island, at least once in their excursion. If sailing or motoring into the Bight, be on the lookout for swimmers in the calm flat water. Be advised, all anchorages in the BVI have a no wake speed limit, the Bight included. Shouts from the Bight tend to fall on the weekend in the late afternoon to early evening, and frequently involve alcohol. Typically the emergencies from the Bight are either yacht groundings or minor to severe injuries. Use good judgement and take precaution when returning back to Tortola after sunset to avoid shallow water or land. Keep an eye out for jellyfish

Cooper Island

This popular anchorage has less frequent calls than its predecessors. Avoid causing injury to your vessel and others in the anchorage by respecting the wake zone. Frequent shouts from this area are usually minor to moderate injuries. Exercise caution around rocks when snorkelling if there is any ground swell. Also, do your best to be sensible if you are leaving the rum bar and heading back to your boat. Keep an eye out for jellyfish.