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Chartering

in the British Virgin Islands

The BVI has recently revised their legislation and massively increased fees on charter vessels.  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. The new fee structure is reproduced here for ease of reading and comparison to previous fees. Full text of the legislation can be found below.

Key Points: 

  • Foreign Based Tern Vessels, Unrestricted – Framework A
    • $24,000 or $7,500 for 7 charters and $2,100 for each charter there after
    • Unlimited entries (greater than 48 hours but less than 8 days)
    • No more than 7 BVI pick ups (i.e. Trellis, West End, Nanny, etc) in a year.
  • Foreign Based Term Vessels, Restricted – Framework B
    • $7,500 for 7 entries or $1,200 per entry not to exceed 7
    • Up to 7 entries. Greater than 48 hours but less than 8 days.
  • Bareboats (Unclear on price – Perhaps same as Term Vessels but not specifically clear)
    • Less than 4 days entry period. Only 7 entries per vessel.
  • Water Taxi – $2,500 – Framework A
    • Unlimited entries not to exceed 8 hours.
  • Day Boat – $8,500 – Framework A
    • Unlimited entries not to exceed 8 hours.
  • Dive Boat – $8,500 – Framework A
    • Unlimited entries not to exceed 8 hours.
  • Home (BVI) Based
    • Max of four (4) charters originating outside the BVI if BVI is included in the charter itinerary (i.e. could do USVI only charter but if they went to JVD during the week that would count as one of the 4)
    • Originate at least 70% of charters in the Virgin Islands
    • Spend no less than 15 days per month in the Virgin Islands comprising of one period or multiple periods of no less than 5 consecutive days ruing the period 1st December to 30 April.
FRAMEWORK A

Subject to Pre-Authorisation by the Customs Department

consisting of the following:

Verification that UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) is not sanctioned

Other applicable Licensing Requirements (MOF)

Valid Certificate of Registry/Documentation

Valid Safety Certificate for vessel operations

Business Licence (USVI vessels only)

Evidence of owner’s permission to charter

Verification of insurance covering vessel operations in BVI waters, as well

as oil pollution and salvage incidents

FRAMEWORK B

Valid Certificate of Registry/Documentation

Valid Safety Certificate for vessel operations

Business Licence (USVI vessels only)

Evidence of owner’s permission to charter

Verification of insurance covering vessel operations in BVI waters, as well

as oil pollution and salvage incidents”.

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 crvl@gov.vg:

CategoryDescriptionOld Fee
Per Annum
New Fee
Per Annum
Per CruisePercent Increase
Foreign Based Term ChartersNot exceeding 115ft (restricted by section 9) (fees may be paid annually or per cruise)$800$7,500.00$1,200.00837.50%
Foreign Based Term ChartersNot exceeding 115ft (unrestricted), single fee
Unlimited entries (not more than 8 days per entry)
No more than 7 BVI Pick Ups
$800$24,000.00N/A2900.00%
Foreign Based Term ChartersNot exceeding 115ft (unrestricted), up to 7 charters and per cruise fee for each charter thereafter)$800$7,500.00$2,100.00837.50%
Foreign Based Diving, Day Trips but not offering accommodation$200.00$8,500.00N/A4150.00%
Foreign Based Water Taxi Service$200.00$2,500.00N/A1150.00%
Large Yacht/Mega Yacht115ft – 150ft$800.00$7,500.00$2,000.00837.50%
Large Yacht/Mega Yacht150ft – 250ft$800.00$8,500.00$2,500.00962.50%
Large Yacht/Mega YachtOver 250ft$800.00$10,000.00$3,500.001150.00%
Home (BVI) BasedUnder 40ft$400.00$800.00 100.00%
Home (BVI) Based40ft – 50ft$600.00$1,200.00 100.00%
Home (BVI) Based50ft – 60ft$800.00$1,600.00 100.00%
Home (BVI) BasedOver 60ft (BVI Owned and Flagged)$800.00$2,000.00 150.00%
Home (BVI) Based60ft to 115ft$800.00$4,000.00 400.00%
Home (BVI) BasedDiving, Day Trips but not offering accommodation under 40ft$200.00$400.00 100.00%
Home (BVI) BasedDiving, Day Trips but not offering accommodation 40ft – 115ft$200.00$800.00 300.00%
Home (BVI) BasedWater Taxi Service (12 pax or less)$200.00$400.00 100.00%
Home (BVI) BasedWater Taxi Service (13pax or more)$200.00$800.00 300.00%

Act No 13 of 2025 Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Amendment Act 2025

SI No 43 of 2025 Statutory Rates Fees and Charges Amendment of Schedule Order 2025

Act No 15 of 2025 Customs Management and Duties Amendment No 2 Act 2025

Act No 11 of 2025 Merchant Shipping Amendment Act 2025

Act No 14 of 2025 Cruising and Home Port Permit Amendment Act 2025

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.