Registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop from 21-23 October 2026, hosted by the British Virgin Islands. The Workshop will bring together women from across the region to strengthen professional networks, share experiences and support greater participation in maritime search and rescue (SAR). Those interested in attending the workshop can find details further on the workshop below and also express their interest here.

The workshop is the latest step in a regional initiative that began after a group of SAR professionals from across the Caribbean attended the IMRF’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Seminar Workshop in Miami, Florida, in 2025 as part of its #WomenInSAR initiative. Inspired by the discussions, the group established a regional Women in SAR network to support women working across the region and encourage greater collaboration between organisations. As part of the IMRF #WomenInSAR initiative, the IMRF is proud to support this and encourage change to happen locally.

In February, the network held its first Women in SAR Summit, bringing together both women and men from across the Caribbean maritime SAR community to discuss shared challenges, exchange ideas and identify practical ways to support women in the sector. Building on these discussions, the October workshop will provide another opportunity for learning, collaboration and professional development.

The two‑and‑a‑half‑day programme will bring together women from across the Caribbean and UK Overseas Territories only who serve in volunteer SAR units, Coast Guard services, Marine Policing, and wider maritime safety roles. The workshop is funded by the UK Government through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, ensuring accessibility for responders from across the region.

Addressing Gaps Identified in Global Research

The IMRF’s #WomenInSAR report has highlighted persistent barriers for women in maritime rescue, ranging from limited access to operational training to challenges around equipment fit, confidence, and peer support. Across the Caribbean, these issues are often intensified by the realities of island‑based response: small teams, limited resources, and fewer opportunities for specialised training.

This workshop aims to directly address those gaps.

Hands‑On Training Led by Regional and International Partners

This workshop is being delivered in partnership with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Marine Unit and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR), with strategic support from the Overseas Territories Women in Search and Rescue Board (OT WiSAR), and alignment with the IMRF’s #WomenInSAR and #SARyouOK initiatives.

Participants will take part in a full programme of practical and collaborative learning, moving from on‑water scenario training to tabletop exercises that strengthen decision‑making, coordination, and leadership. These sessions are complemented by confidence‑building activities designed to support women stepping into operational and supervisory roles, along with peer‑to‑peer exchanges that create space to share experiences, challenges, and best practices across islands.

A Regional First and a Step Toward Long‑Term Change

Building on the foundations laid at the inaugural Women in SAR Summit, the workshop marks the first time a dedicated Women in SAR training event has been held in the Caribbean, and organisers hope it will become a recurring fixture. By bringing together women from across the region to learn from one another, strengthen professional networks and develop their leadership skills, it reflects the group's ongoing commitment to advancing equality and strengthening women's role in maritime SAR across the Caribbean.

“Women are already serving in critical frontline roles across the region,” notes VISAR’s Operations Manager Sophia Peppard. “What’s missing is the opportunity to train together, learn from one another, and build a network that strengthens capability across borders. By bringing women together we’re creating a space where skills can grow, confidence can build, and leadership can emerge.”

Registration Now Open

Organisations across the Caribbean and UK Overseas Territories are encouraged to nominate women who would benefit from this training. Spaces are limited, and interest is expected to be high. The workshop is funded by the UK Government through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, ensuring accessibility for responders from across the region.

● Workshop Dates: 21–23 October 2026

● Location: British Virgin Islands ● Expression of Interest Form: https://forms.gle/1QYujARt6weqHzQX9

● Contact Information: [email protected]

This workshop represents a significant step toward building a stronger, more connected network of Women in SAR across the Caribbean. It reflects the region’s realities, celebrates its talent, and invests in the responders who keep its waters safe.