BVI Reserves Day-Charter and Water-Taxi Licenses for Locals
The BVI confirms day-charter and water-taxi licences are for its own people — and spells out the limits on boats from next door.
Day-charter and water-taxi businesses based in the British Virgin Islands are now reserved for British Virgin Islanders. Minister of Financial Services and Economic Development Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE, confirmed the policy at the Marine Industry Forum, held August 18 at The Moorings Yacht Club.
The Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (Amendment) Act, 2025, allows operators from the USVI, Puerto Rico and elsewhere to continue bringing guests into BVI waters, but they are considered foreign-based vessels. To qualify as home-based, a vessel must be BVI-registered, operated by a BVI-registered company, and based in the territory for at least five months each year.
Foreign charter boats are limited to seven combined entries and pickups a year. An unconditional license allows unlimited entries, but no more than seven pickups. Foreign water taxis may use only Customs-approved ports and cannot carry passengers between BVI harbors or anchorages. Annual license fees range from $400 to $800 for BVI-based operators and $2,500 to $8,500 for foreign operators.
More than 70 people from the marine industry attended the forum. Chief Marine Accident Investigator Jerome Padmore reported more than 20 marine accidents so far this year. Other topics included marina infrastructure and a proposed “blue economy passport” to help train Virgin Islanders for careers in the marine industry.
“This is not going to die,” Smith said. gov.vg
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
