Nearly 200 non-compliant charter vessels detained by HM Customs - Given grace period to pay fines or face heavier penalties

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Some 184 vessels detained recently by the Her Majesty's Customs (HMP) have been given an extended grace period to pay up on fines or face stiffer penalties.

A joint operation that continued on March 16, 2022, clamped down on several yachting companies operating in the Virgin Islands, including the largest- The Moorings.

According to a press statement from Government on March 17, 2022, "If the vessels are not licenced by that date the duties become payable at 5 percent of the value of each vessel."

It also said that if the combined value of all vessels is in excess of $100 million the companies must produce a bond of 5 percent to secure the duty owed.

At least three charter companies have faced heavy fines.

"Many vessels were found to be offered for hire without having onboard essential safety equipment for protection of the BVI guests and clients. The equipment lacking in many instances are propane Detectors, high Water Alarms, Smoke Detectors, Fire Extinguishers, Flares and Life Jackets," the statement highlighted.

It said, in addition to those violations, the majority of these vessels do not meet the minimum safety requirements which will enable them to receive a safety and exemption certificate that would allow them to be considered home based charter vessels.