The World of SAR

Supporting SAR Organizations

National Association of Search and Rescue

The National Association For Search And Rescue (NASAR) has been in existence since 1972. Originally started to represent the State Search and Rescue Coordinators, NASAR grew to represent all SAR volunteers and continues to support the State Search And Rescue Coordinators Committee (SSARCC). NASAR uses standards developed by ASTM, NFPA, DHS, FEMA, and other respected bodies to build education courseware, publications, and certifications. Government agencies and non-profit Search And Rescue Teams use NASAR's material and certifications to build credentialing programs for their organizations and produce highly skilled searchers that work within their communities and are available for mutual aid regionally and nationally. NASAR is a Virginia Non-Profit and Federal 501(C)3 which welcomes your donations to assist us in training searchers for your community.

Washington SAR Volunteer Advisory Council

Washington State Search and Rescue Volunteer Advisory Council (WA SARVAC) exists to provide a forum for search and rescue volunteers in our state to work together to develop best practices, develop curriculum, and discuss and resolve issues. We serve as a liaison between the search and rescue units and the volunteers that comprise them, and the WA Emergency Management Division, the agency that oversees search and rescue activities at the state level. We work with the Washington State Search and Rescue Coordinators' Association (WSSARCA) to address the needs of law enforcement agencies in our state when it comes to SAR volunteer responders. In a typical year, search and rescue responders answer the call to assist law enforcement agencies search for missing persons and those in distress around 900 times each year. This volunteer service is invaluable in the communities in which we serve.