Gov. John deJongh Jr. asked Thursday that the British Virgin Islands delay implementing recent commercial boating rules for a "reasonable period" until they can be tailored to fit U.S. and BVI conditions, according to a statement released Saturday.
DeJongh made the request of BVI Premier Ralph T. O’Neal in a letter dated Feb. 3.
"I believe this is a reasonable request, and is made with good intent and if granted, will promote goodwill," deJongh said in the statement. He said he hopes that the governments of both Virgin Islands as well as the boating communities can work together to enhance commercial boating safety, but that it’s also important to consider economic hardships.
The BVI government on Feb. 1 began enforcing rules on the books since 2004 for commercial boaters using BVI waters. They were issued by the United Kingdom government.
The new regulations require that boat captains get BVI licenses even though they already carry U.S. Coast Guard licenses. Additionally, U.S.-flagged boats must be inspected in the BVI.
According to deJongh, the U.S. territory’s small commercial boating industry was especially hard-hit by the downturn in the world economy. He said charter revenues have declined and the cost of business, especially fuel, is significantly rising.
"These businesses are suffering and fear the additional costs arising from the implementation of the regulations would cause further, critical damage," deJongh said.
James Cocks, senior ship surveyor for the BVI government, said Jan. 29 that the cost of a boat inspection runs $150. The boat owner also must pay for the survey, which runs $80 an hour. He said the surveyor typically requires three hours to inspect a boat.
Commercial boats that don’t already have a stability certificate also must get that inspection. Pat Nawaratne, chief marine surveyor for the BVI government, said Jan. 29 that the test can be done in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as the BVI by a ship surveyor. Nawaratne said the cost will vary depending on the size of the vessel, but said monohulls will pay about $100 while catamarans will pay about $2,000.
He said that the price will come way down when ships of the same design, called sister ships, get surveyed.
St. John-based Bruce Masterson, who owns and captains the catamaran Amaryllis, said Jan. 29 he got stability test quotes from several boat surveyors that ranged from $2,800 to $4,000.
Boat captains who ply BVI waters need to get BVI licenses in addition to their U.S. Coast Guard license. Nawaratne previously said that boat captains with a U.S. Coast Guard license or one from another country can get an interim license for $50. Within six months they must take an oral boat master test to get a permanent license.
Nawaratne said the test concerns BVI marine law. He did not know how much the permanent license would cost.
In his press release, deJongh said he was assured by the representatives of the local boating industry that they have absolutely no dispute with the BVI’s authority to implement rules designed to enhance boating safety and security in its own waters and intended to protect commercial operators and passengers.
The governor suggested that both governments use the Inter Virgin Islands Council to facilitate a discussion. In the past, the council has met to discuss issues of mutual concern to both territories.
