Emergency Services in the British Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (V.I.S.A.R.)
Office for Disaster Preparedness (ODP)
Tortola Radio - Ship to Shore
Peebles Hospital

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives at sea in the British Virgin Islands with an operations base in Tortola (at Road Town) and rescue vessels both at Road Town and in Virgin Gorda at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. These volunteers work diligently at maintaining a high standard of qualification and bring a great deal of expertise in the area of life saving skills. Should you run into any major medical or other life threatening problems while on the water in the BVI, call V.I.S.A.R. immediately.

To contact VISAR in the event of an emergency at sea, call "MAYDAY" on channel 16 of your VHF radio or use the boat phone and dial 999 or 911 and ask for Fire & Rescue. The Fire & Rescue service will take your details and contact information. Shortly after finishing that call you will be contacted by a VISAR coordinator who will be able to help you.

It is important that once you have established contact with a VISAR coordinator you keep your lines of communication open. DO NOT change VHF channels unless you are instructed to do so. DO NOT use your phone to make calls unless it is vital. This will help to ensure that you receive the best help available as quickly as possible.

Virgin Islands Search & Rescue
Emergency Phone: 999 or 911
Office Phone: 494-4357
e:mail info@visar.org or visar@surfbvi.com
Normal Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am to 2:00 PM

Back to Index

Office for Disaster Preparedness (ODP)

One of the most impressive characteristics of the BVI is the spirit of "community" which always comes to the forefront during and after any threat which Mother Nature chooses to dish out. In my opinion, the BVI is undoubtedly the "most prepared" of any Caribbean nation and all natural "disasters" are handled by the ODP in a professional, calm, and thorough manner.

In the event of a hurricane or other natural threat which may occur in the region, the ODP will provide ongoing information and directives to the population through radio and television communications. The network of government and private individuals who get to work clearing debris from roads, salvaging yachts and getting life "back to normal" as quickly as possible after a natural disaster, is to be commended and historically has served as a prototype for other Caribbean countries.

The Office for Disaster Preparedness is headed up by Deputy Governor, Mr. Elton Georges, Chairman of the National Emergency Advisory Council and Mr. Franklyn Michael, National Disaster Coordinator.

Office For Disaster Preparedness
Phone: (284) 494-4499
e:mail bviodp@candwbvi.net
Normal Hours of Operation: 8:30 am to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday

Back to Index

Tortola Radio

If you are in a "dead zone" or "out of range" and wish to use your boat phone to make outgoing calls, you may contact Tortola radio by hailing them on channel 16 on your VHF radio. Speak to an operator and give them the number you are trying to contact. The operator will then call the number you are trying to reach and will call you back when a connection has been made. They will also relay phone calls for you or will contact emergency services if need be. Once you establish radio contact with a Tortola radio operator, you will be asked to switch to channel 27 or 84 to discuss your business.

If anyone outside the BVI is trying to contact a yacht known to be in BVI waters but are unable to reach you on your boat phone, they may call Tortola Radio at: (284) 494-3111. The operator will first try to establish a phone connection or will use the VHF radio to contact the yacht. (Please note that the yacht name must be known by the caller).

Once contact has been made with the yacht, the operator will then phone the original caller (collect) in order to establish a link between the yacht and caller. Always remember to leave your VHF radio on channel 16 when not in use.

To contact Tortola Radio
VHF Call Channel 16
Phone: (284) 494-3111

Back to Index

Peebles Hospital

Peebles Hospital is located in Road Town and is capable of handling most any emergency situations. If you or any member of your party have any preexisting medical conditions and you are planning a yacht charter holiday, it is wise to notify VISAR (in advance) of the dates of your trip and to detail your condition as well as any medications you may take. In the event of an emergency, they will have this info on file and can supply same to the attending physician prior to your arrival at the hospital.

To contact Peebles Hospital
Emergency Phone 999 or 911
Phone: (284) 494-3497

Back to Index

If there are any topics not already addressed in this tourist guide ... or should you have information to add, please feel free to send us your suggestions at: bvivacations@surfbvi.com

Member

This travel guide is offered as a free service by All-In-One BVI Vacations. To submit or update your URL or BVI company listing, go to: Submissions British Virgin Island registered companies only please!