USVI and BVI reached reciprocal charter boating agreement

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced on Nov. 14, 2022, that the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands had agreed to a reciprocal regulatory program for charter boating in each territory’s waters.

Under the arrangement, BVI vessels would be allowed to enter USVI cruising waters, docks and marinas after complying with Customs and Border Patrol check-in requirements, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, business licensing and vessel inspection requirements in the BVI, and applicable USVI entry fees or permits.

The agreement also would allow USVI-based and licensed vessels to operate in BVI territorial waters for day charters and term charters after payment of required fees and presentation of licensing and vessel inspection documents from the USVI. The announcement said additional technical provisions still had to be developed.

Government House said discussions accelerated after the Inter Virgin Islands Council meetings resumed in September 2022. At that meeting, hosted by the Bryan-Roach administration on St. Thomas, BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley, Deputy Premier Kye Rymer and other officials met with USVI officials for the first council session between the two governments since 2020.

According to the announcement, USVI officials told the BVI government during those discussions that without a reciprocal entry system, charter boats, water taxis and pick-up and drop-off vessels would have to comply strictly with existing rules for operating in the USVI.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-announces-agreement-with-bvi-for-reciprocal-management-of-charter-industry/