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Chartering

in the British Virgin Islands

At this link you will find HM Customs’ most recent version of their Foreign charter companies Guide Revised.

At this link you will find the VIPCA Government committee list of licenses, registrations, certifications and documents required required for US Crew Options for BVI Chartering.

The BVI government is in the process of revising their legislation to codify and then implement proposed changes to their regulations and protocols for foreign based charter vessels wishing to charter in the BVI. Some of these changes as proposed will have a significant impact on the business plans of many of our members. VIPCA has been actively communicating with both the BVI and USVI governments to strongly encourage re-opening discussions and negotiations between the two governments. These discussions will allow for the opportunity to further develop protocols that enhance and build tourism for both territories. At the very least, requests have been made for a delay in any further changes being implemented to give time for these extended discussions to take place. We will keep you apprised of any further developments, but for now the latest updates should be sourced from the BVI government directly.

 

While the BVI Government has yet to issue an official updated Guidelines for Foreign Charter Companies, as has been ordered by the Premier and requested by VIPCA and the USVI Government, the following is our understanding of the current process and document requirements based on information from the BVI government and from the experiences of VIPCA members who have already gone through the current process. If anyone has any additional information to add or corrections to be made, please let us know immediately so that this information can be updated accordingly. VIPCA will continue to push both governments to make sure we get all of the correct details of the process and requirements.
 
The following documents are required to be submitted to the BVI Department of Finance so that a commercial charterer can be issued a Commercial Recreational Vessel License (CRVL) which allows the vessel to be used to charter in the BVI. The application form can be downloaded here:
 
At that site click on “Port and Cruising Permit Act Forms” and select the appropriate form (water taxi, day trips or term charters). The completed application and the following required completed documents can be submitted via email to [email protected]:
 
  • Business License 
  • Vessel Registration
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Exemption Certificate from Shipping Registry (if applicable)
  • Vessel Safety Certificate (e.g., USCG COI or CVLA Certificate)
  • Charter Operational Plan
  • Certified Letter from owner of vessel or charter operator only stating how the charter operation is financed
  • Certified Letter from owner authorizing charter.
 
Fees for the CRVL are:
 
$405 – vessels not exceeding 40 ft.
$605 – vessels exceeding 40 ft but not exceeding 50 ft.
$805 – vessels exceeding 50 ft.
 
Once you have submitted a completed and signed application, along with the supporting documents, you will be notified of its status and directed to where you are to remit your payment. Payment can be made online, the receipt that will be issued after you have made payment, you are to retain. You will be notified when the License has been printed for your collection, with your proof of payment, i.e., your receipt.
 
If you have specific questions, they can also be emailed to [email protected]. There are BVI agents who can assist you with this process for a fee which in some cases can be substantial.
 
“Certified Letter” as used above means the document must be notarized.
According to the BVI Guidelines document the Charter Operational Plan should include:
 
  • Intended charter operation (day trips, term charters, advertised itinerary)
  • Indicate if it is for the season or a period
  • Crew list and copies of their valid certificates (captains license, STCW certificates for all crew, passport bio page for all crew)
 
The CRVL fees do not include and are separate from the BVI National Park Trust fees, the Cruising Permit fees and any of the other Customs entry fees.
 
Please note that USCG confirms and will be actively enforcing that the captain is required to have a Master MMC with STCW A-II/3 endorsement and all crew must have STCW Basic Training and all other required STCW Certifications for international voyages which includes trips to the BVI. If you are US licensed and based, you are still considered on an international voyage even with pick up and drop off in the BVI.
 
The BVI limitation on foreign based charter companies to do BVI pick up and drop off charters is still in effect and limited to not exceed 7 such charters in a 12 month period.

Fishing License Application: 

FISHING APPLICATIONS INCLUDE:

  • Color photo of the boat .jpg ok
  • Color photo of the fishing gear laid out on deck or table, .jpg is ok
  • Copy of boats SCV2 and registration
  • Email to:  [email protected]

    Subject line of email:  REGISTRATION  then BOAT NAME

Boats must email in their catch reports monthly.

Each week of charter either write:

NO FISHING
NO CATCH
or details on catch and if released

Conservation and Fisheries Department, Government of the Virgin Islands, P.O. Box 3323, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, VG1110

Tel: 284-468-2700 or 468-3701 ext 2700 Fax: 284- 468-2781

website: www.bvicfd.org email: [email protected]