Governor Daniel Pruce, front centre, with participants and instructors of the two-week search and rescue training programme. Photo: Facebook

On January 17, 2025, Virgin Islands Governor Mr Daniel Pruce visited the exercise to observe a simulated rescue operation. Photo: Facebook

Facilitated by trainers from HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the course focused on ‘training-the-trainers’ to enhance rescue capabilities and foster knowledge sharing among participating territories. The comprehensive programme featured theoretical instruction, tabletop exercises, and hands-on rescue simulations.

The RNLI, a UK-based organisation with over 200 years of lifesaving expertise, spearheaded the training to support international crews in meeting industry standards and refining their operational skills.

Meeting international standards

On January 17, 2025, Virgin Islands Governor Mr Daniel Pruce visited the exercise to observe a simulated rescue operation. Following the exercise, he commended the RNLI and UK Coastguard for their contributions, stating, “This training ensures our crews meet international standards to provide the best possible service; I know we are all in safe hands.”

David R. Whiddon, Senior International Programmes Manager at the RNLI, also spoke to the importance of global collaboration in lifesaving efforts.

According to Mr Whiddon, “Drowning claims 300,000 lives annually worldwide, Sharing knowledge builds capacity to save more lives while also allowing us to learn from others.”

Meanwhile, VISAR Operations Manager Mr J. Phil Aspinall MBE expressed gratitude for the RNLI’s guidance in highlighting the benefits of addressing shared challenges through tailored solutions. “The RNLI’s expertise is an invaluable resource for all of us in this industry.”