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.
Get to know the faces behind ISAR's dedication to safety and excellence.
Vernon Smith is a senior technical access and rescue specialist with ISAR3 (Industrial Safety Access & Rescue) — a UK-based company providing advanced training and operational support in rope access, confined space, and water rescue. He is accredited under the Rescue 3 Europe framework and brings extensive experience in rigging systems, complex rescue planning, and instructor development.
Vernon completed a degree in Outdoor Education at the Liverpool John Moores University, graduating in 1993. In the 1990s, he achieved the Mountain Instructor Award (MIA) as part of one of the first cohorts to complete the scheme. As a member of the Association of Mountain Instructors, he went on to deliver Mountain Leader (ML), SPSA, and WGL courses during the expansion of the UK’s national leadership framework.
A full-time professional in the outdoor learning sector, Vernon worked across North Wales, the Lake District, and Scotland before settling in Devon, where he managed a large multi-activity outdoor centre until 2004. Transitioning into industrial rescue, he contributed to the early development of the Rescue 3 scheme in the UK and has since worked extensively in team and instructor development for the fire and rescue community, specialist police and military units, and mountain rescue teams.
Based near Dartmoor, Vernon combines decades of field experience with a passion for technical education, developing innovative access and rescue training programmes from ISAR3’s dedicated training centre on the edge of Plymouth.
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
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.
