Law enforcement officials have been cracking down on boaters who operate in Virgin Islands waters without the proper licences and cruising permits, according to government.
Customs Commissioner Wade Smith said that many boaters have been breaking the rules, and that some charter companies have hired captains via social media to operate illegally.
The detection of these violations was a collaborative effort between the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the Immigration Department and the Customs Department, Mr. Smith said in a government statement.
In light of the violations, he urged boaters, agents and marine charter companies to comply with the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licencing Act No. 8 of 1992 and the Cruising Permit Ordinance.
The act prohibits operating an unlicensed commercial recreational boat in the territorial waters, and the ordinance prohibits charter boats from cruising in VI waters without first obtaining a cruising permit from the customs commissioner or other authorised person.
“After conducting audits we have identified that boaters are also in violation of other laws enforced by other agencies, such as the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, [and the] Immigration and Labour departments,” Mr. Smith said.
Clearing Customs
The commissioner also warned that arriving boaters are required to clear Customs at a designated port of entry in order to remain compliant with the Customs Management and Duty Act.
He said that there has been an increase in boats breaking this rule.
Even boaters who are compelled by accident, weather, or other unavoidable cause to arrive at a non-designated port are required to contact Customs after arrival.
Mr. Smith added that his agency is in the process of producing a Customs Procedure Manual that will assist boaters with meeting the department’s requirements.
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