I have been involved in technical rescue, in local authority fire and rescue services & privately in the renewables sector, oil and gas Rescue planning on HPC. I still learn something every time I go down to the ISAR3 training centre! Vernon Smith is truly a master in class and is my “go to” when I need a second opinion on tricky grey areas in legislation surrounding rescue and area/equipment specific rescue planning.

Alongside rescue I am an IRATA level 3 and have supervised rope access projects nationally and internationally. In this role I am responsible for rigging and rescue of the rope access workforce, the advanced rigging course ran at ISAR3 has taken knowledge of the physics and rigging to an even higher level and made me reflect on and improve my practice on industrial rope access projects and rescue projects.

The mentoring I have received through the Rescue 3 instructor scheme has given me the structure I need to organise my brain and made me better at imparting my knowledge on others.

Great atmosphere and training facilities, I couldn’t recommend a better place to learn the trade or enhance your current practice.

Massive thank you to David for his professionalism and quality of training. The theory was engaging and encouraged interaction, and the practical was delivered flawlessly.

I have attended many courses with Vern at ISAR3 including Rescue 3 qualifications in Water Rescue, Rope Rescue and Confined Space. Under his instruction I have gone on to gain independent status within the Rescue 3 scheme.

Every time my knowledge and personal skill set has improved massively, Vern has a delivery style and way of explaining technical subjects that makes the subject easily understood and relevant. His experience and depth of knowledge means he is able to tailor his delivery so that everyone can easily understand and apply the information.

I have turned to Vern for professional advice and to draw on his expertise and vast wealth of experience in my role within the Fire Service on many occasions, the most recent being delivering Confined Space input for a working group representing the National Fire Chiefs Council.

I have found all the staff at ISAR3 to be very helpful and knowledgeable in the Technical Rescue subjects they are delivering.

Senior Technical Leader Devon & somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Our instructor is outstanding and made the course extremely engaging and enjoyable. It is evident that he has vast experience in this field and ensured that the learning needs of all in attendance were suitably met. ISAR3 were excellent training providers and the facilities and resources available during the course were great.

I have completed the training with increased knowledge, awareness and respect of the hazards, risks and safety measures applicable when working in and around water.

Appointing ISAR3 as our training partner has provided a solid foundation for our new confined space rescue team. ISAR3 have provided consistent high quality training to our team which has elevated the team. The ISAR3 instructors tailor training to specific work place circumstances and hazards making the content relatable and easy for all delegates to absorb.

ISAR3s trainers engage the training candidates, asking questions of them and allowing them the freedom to problem solve and think outside the box in a safe and controlled environment.

The facilities are well designed and maximize the learning experience with realistic conditions.

Senior Technical Access Lead South West Water

I must admit I was dreading this in-person training, for a handful of reasons, but I am really glad I completed it. The training was really practical and engaging which made a nice change. Our instructor was excellent, he had great knowledge, showed a passion for the subject, was clear in his delivery and was approachable. Honestly, I cannot thank him enough for instilling confidence in me and ensuring we all felt safe and prepared under his instruction. I have learnt a great deal from this training course and have already had to put into practice the skills I have learnt and feel much better equipped to do so again in the future.

Message for Dave, thanks very much for making the last couple of days so enjoyable, relaxed, relevant, and worthwhile. Your presentation style was well suited to the group. You allowed us just enough free rein for banter and knew how much to contribute to it without losing your thread or being drawn off topic. Such a sound knowledge of EA process and politics is rare enough within our business, let alone from someone on the outside. It’s a really good way to earn our respect. Some trainers don’t impress me. You are not one of those. Presumably James will be moving towards becoming a trainer for the course we’ve completed with you at some point . If he brings only half the capabilities and competence that you’ve shown he’s still going to be an asset to the business. If you ever have serious discussions about developing training for chainsaw use in water I’d be happy to hear from you. Best wishes Angus.