New Licensing Structure for Charter Vessels Moves Forward After BVI-USVI Meeting

The governments of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have strengthened their commitment to regional maritime cooperation following a diplomatic meeting held on April 15 in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. The talks focused on refining the charter vessel fee structure and aligning operational frameworks to support growth in the maritime tourism sector.

Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, and Governor of the USVI, Albert Bryan Jr., reaffirmed a shared vision of economic partnership and regional integration. The discussions followed initial dialogue held on March 7 in Tortola and reflect ongoing efforts to harmonize maritime policy and licensing structures between the two neighboring jurisdictions.

A key focus of the meeting was the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act of 1992, which the Government of the Virgin Islands has moved to amend. The proposed amendment bill received its first reading in the House of Assembly on January 7, 2025, and is currently listed for second reading in the present session. If passed, the changes are expected to take effect by June 1, 2025.

Under the proposed revised fee structure, term charters originating outside of the BVI would be required to pay $7,500 annually for up to seven entries, with an additional $2,100 for each extra entry. A flat rate of $24,000 would apply to vessels seeking unlimited entries. The annual licensing fee for day-trip vessels has been revised to $8,500, while the water taxi license fee remains at $2,500 per year.

The amendments are designed to modernize the BVI’s maritime regulatory system and bring it in line with regional expectations. In addition to fee revisions, the proposed changes include moving from a fixed expiration date system to one based on the anniversary of license issuance, a shift intended to reduce administrative burdens on vessel operators.

Both governments also agreed to the formation of a joint marine task force, which will focus on coordinating regional maritime policy, streamlining regulatory requirements, implementing technology to improve port operations, and enhancing coastal protection efforts.

Premier Wheatley noted that approximately 95 percent of the terms have already been agreed upon between the parties. He confirmed that the BVI government remains open to further collaboration and adjustments in the spirit of maintaining a strong bilateral relationship with the USVI.

This latest round of talks underscores the governments’ continued efforts to create a stable and mutually beneficial regulatory environment for the maritime tourism industry. The initiative is expected to support charter operators and promote long-term economic growth across the Virgin Islands.

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