About Us

about us

Pioneering Safety, Access and Rescue excellence in the UK

Industry experts in supporting all your training needs!

We are a highly respected technical rescue, access and training company based in Plymouth, but deliver our full range of services across the UK. We deliver training internationally recognised and are accredited through Rescue3 Europe and City and Guilds.



Specialising in confined spaces access and rescue, rope access, and water access training, we are a fully self sufficient team that can keep you safe and compliant. We have over 26 years of experience in supporting emergency services and infrastructure projects across the country. Our customised training packages can be tailored to your needs and specific environments. 



We also back up our professional access and rescue activity by providing training to keep you, your staff, and contractors safe in complicated access environments.

Our People

Meet the Team

Get to know the faces behind ISAR's dedication to safety and excellence.

Vernon Smith

Managing Director

Paul Farrington

Paul brings extensive expertise in leadership, problem-solving, and operational management to the team. He joined ISAR3 in 2018 after 25 years with 29 Commando, and is now a Senior Operations Leader. He oversees HR, training, logistics, and confined space project planning. His qualifications include a Level 6 Diploma in Leadership and Management, NEBOSH, High-Risk Confined Space Rescue, and certifications in HIAB, MEWP, PASMA, First Aid, and Powerboat Operations.

Senior Operations Leader

Paul Farrington

Senior Operations Leader

Maverick Smith

Maverick brings over a decade of experience to ISAR3, having started on the front lines with hands-on work in modular pontoon and water safety solutions nationwide. Over time, his role has expanded to managing water safety operations, overseeing staffing, equipment, and logistics. Maverick also contributes his expertise to specialised projects, including confined space operations and rope access management.

Operations & Logistics Lead

Maverick Smith

Operations & Logistics Lead

Dave Johnson

Dave's expertise stems from a lifetime in the outdoor industry, specialising in kayaking, with global leadership in whitewater, climbing, mountaineering, and caving. With 15 years in the Royal Air Force, he served as a Survival Equipment Specialist and Defense Survival instructor, delivering training worldwide in 
extreme environments.

Training Manager

Dave Johnson

Training Manager

Steve Lang

Since joining ISAR3, Steve has been instrumental in developing the company’s training division, working with corporate and government clients on Cold Water Safety, Confined Space, and Height Access solutions. A certified Rescue 3 Instructor and City and Guilds Assessor, Steve manages both training and on-site projects. Outside of work, he’s a dedicated member of the local Mountain Rescue Team. With over 26 years of service, he has led global expeditions as a former outdoor pursuits instructor.

Confined Space Manager

Steve Lang

Confined Space Manager

Richard Osborne

Richard (also called Oz!) joined ISAR3 eight months ago as the Rope Access Manager. With a background in heavy industry and a decade of North Sea drilling experience, he transitioned into rope access eight years ago. Since then, he’s been a key contributor to numerous complex onshore projects. Outside of work, Oz pursues his passion for kitesurfing, traveling in his van to find the perfect beach.

Rope Access Manager

Richard Osborne

Rope Access Manager

Facilities

Take a look at our facilities

Our highly skilled team delivers training best suited to your organisation’s needs. We’re based in Plymouth, but we deliver courses across multiple venues in the UK. 

Indoor Training Area
Mobile Confined Space Trainer
Indoor Training Area
Indoor Training Area
Indoor Training Area
Cylinder Charging Area
Classroom 2
Classroom 1

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