Charter Captain Tips

If you're as active on Twitter as your friends at Island Lowdown you may have caught today’s update from @CharterBoatBVI, which read "Charter captains need to mind their Ps & Qs in the BVI, HM Customs very active lately, out on their "go-fast" checking papers, levying fines."  Charter Boat BVI (also found at http://www.charterportbvi.com/) brings up a good reminder for us all.  A few helpful tips...

Dive, day charter and sport fishing boats -- make sure to contact The British Virgin Islands Customs Department at (284) 494-3475 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2533 for current cruising permit requirements.

Moorings and Marine Conservations Permits --  don't forget, the use of National Parks Trust moorings without a permit is illegal. Give the folks at the National Parks Trust Office a ring, at (284) 494-3904, for the low down.

Catching the big one -- it is illegal for non-British Virgin Islanders to remove any marine organism from BVI waters without a recreational permit.  Permits are available for charterers who intend to fish while in the BVI. Expect to fork over $35 ($10 application fee; $25 for the permit).  This temporary fishing permit can be snagged at the Department of Conservation and Fisheries:

Department of Conservation and Fisheries,
The Quastisky Building
PO Box 3323
Road Town, Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-5681/3429 or (284) 468-3701 ex. 5555/1
Fax: (284) 494-2670
E-Mail: cfd@bvigovernment.org