All charter boat owners in the Virgin Islands are reminded that they must be in possession of a valid business license. Individuals conducting charter boat services or boat rentals must have the applicable business license on each vessel. This requirement also extends to those vessels originating from outside the V.I., according to a press release issued Friday by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA).
Commissioner Wayne Biggs advises all persons hiring, contracting, or renting from any charter boat owners to ensure that the individual(s) are duly licensed. “Until the legal requirements of obtaining a current business license from DLCA are fulfilled, charter boats engaged in charter services (transporting passengers, day sails, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving etc.) will be in violation of the licensing laws of the Virgin Islands. Any boat owners found without the appropriate license will be subject to citations and applicable penalties,” said Commissioner Biggs.
One such violation recently resulted in the issuance of a citation totaling $700 for a charter boat service based out of Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. DLCA enforcement officers identified a clear violation of the licensing laws of the Virgin Islands as a vessel named the Peacemaker/Roadmaker of Speedy’s Ferry was found picking up passengers within the V.I. Harbor without a valid business license. As a result of this violation, DLCA enforcement officers issued two citations to the ferry service.
Commissioner Biggs also reminds all charter boat services of their obligation to display their business license(s) prominently at all times on the vessel. Business licenses must be posted clearly and identifiable by the consumer. “All boat owners not abiding by applicable licensing laws are advised to expeditiously act on resolving this matter,” said Biggs.
DLCA’s enforcement officers will continue to monitor all activities that are in violation of the rules and regulations of the department. For additional information, contact the Licensing Division of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs on St. Croix at 773-2226 or on St. Thomas at 774-3130.
