Health & Safety

Yellow life jackets hanging on the side of a boat.
Yellow life jackets hanging on the side of a boat.

A Proactive Approach

Preparing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment is our highest priority. Whether onboard or ashore, we want everyone to have an extraordinary experience. We take time to plan and train thoroughly, and then maintain the utmost vigilance to keep everyone as safe and healthy as they can be.

Camper tying up the boat.

Certified and Trained

Every Sail Caribbean staff member is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Additionally, medical officers trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Wilderness First Responders (WFRs) accompany each program. During our comprehensive 12 day on-site staff training, we review safety procedures specific to our environment and conduct simulated emergency drills.

Instructor demonstrating how to use a stretcher.

Students and Safety

Students too, are taught the “Safety First” mindset. From day one, we teach students how to be safe on land and at sea and how to maintain a clean, healthy environment onboard our boats. Our staff checks in regularly with students regarding their health, and encourages them to speak up about any and all issues, no matter how small. Lifejackets are worn at all times under sail as well as during our watersports activities. Harnesses and other additional precautions are taken during night sails.

Peace of Mind

If emergency medical attention is required, our high-speed motorboats ensure quick transfer to land, where we have long-term relationships with qualified local doctors. We value and trust the local BVI clinics and hospitals who have teamed up with us to provide the best care for our students should the need arise.

  • Peebles Hospital is conveniently located in Road Town and can be reached by fast boat from our BVI fleets. Peebles maintains 24 hour emergency and ambulance services and has laboratory and x-ray facilities. Medical specialists and trained nurses are on duty at all times. Virgin Gorda has an ambulance service manned by personnel with EMT training.
  • B & F Medical Complex is a complete and professional medical center providing service to the BVI community 7 days a week. The complex is staffed with general and specialist doctors providing family and child care. The medical laboratory provides x-rays and ultrasound. There is also a full service dental clinic and well stocked pharmacy on premises.
  • We also have a close professional relationship with Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and practice our emergency response procedures with them as part of staff training. This all-volunteer organization provides 24-hour coverage every day of the year in co-operation with the Royal British Virgin Island police, fire and ambulance services.
  • The Sail Caribbean fleet is always in VHF radio contact with one another and maintains daily contact with our base on Tortola via cell phone. We monitor Caribbean weather daily. We have a full hurricane plan that includes swift relocation to an inland shelter. Thankfully, in over 35 years, we have only used it twice.

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