73.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal governmentUSVI Anchoring Procedures Change Because of COVID-19 State of Emergency

USVI Anchoring Procedures Change Because of COVID-19 State of Emergency

Jean-Pierre "JP" Oriol, commissioner-designee for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. (Submitted photo)
Commissioner Jean-Pierre “JP” Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. (Submitted photo)

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has announced that in accordance with the Third Supplemental Executive Order in Response to the State of Emergency declaration by the Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., which was a response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, all persons currently anchoring, or seeking to anchor, in the waters of the United States Virgin Islands are required to obtain a long-term anchoring permit.

In addition to completing the anchoring permit application, all persons must complete the associated health questionnaire.

DPNR also informs the maritime community that no on-boarding of passengers is allowed at this time, and all persons aboard vessels anchoring in the territory must abide by the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Order, minimizing contact with others and only coming to shore for essential functions.

The Department recommends the use of online concierge services to the greatest extent possible for provisioning, as well as abiding by any guidelines instituted by the marinas or marine terminals in the territory.

For information on DPNR’s anchoring application, the health questionnaire or anchoring locations within the territory, visit www.dpnr.vi.gov.  Individuals may also send an email to dee@dpnr.vi.gov or call the offices at 774-3320 in the St. Thomas-St. John District or 773-5774 in the St. Croix District.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.