The U.S. Virgin Islands’ charter yacht industry, which generated about $92 million and supported roughly 800 jobs in 2024, is facing headwinds as some boats relocate to the British Virgin Islands and operators report a shortage of trained maritime workers, according to a report by the VI Consortium published Oct. 3.
Speaking at a workforce summit on St. Thomas, Haldane Davies, director of the V.I. Bureau of Economic Research, said the sector appears to be “facing some challenges,” the Consortium reported. Kennon Jones, executive director of the V.I. Professional Charter Association, linked recent moves by operators to the BVI’s fee and licensing structure for foreign-based charter yachts, saying, “It’s still obviously a very critical industry. It is going to be down next year, just by virtue of the way things are currently,” according to the Consortium.
Dr. Safiya George, president of the University of the Virgin Islands, said the territory should use the moment to expand maritime training beyond marine science. “I think here is America’s paradise,” she said, adding, “The only way we can do that is through more training … of both captains, yacht captains, boat engineers, [and] boat mechanics,” the Consortium reported.
Joseph Cranston, marine manager for the V.I. Port Authority, described a “revitalization” under way and urged residents to pursue marine careers. “It’s the door opening, and it’s for them to find the right path and pursue it to the end,” he said, adding, “We’re coming back strong,” according to the Consortium.
Looking ahead, Mr. Davies suggested closer USVI–BVI cooperation, asking how officials might address the industry’s challenges “in a way that would still allow that strong economic and familial tie that exists between both sides to continue,” the Consortium reported.
