With all said, and to get back to the question, I've a boat in the BVI, and things are different on the other side of the line. I've gone to St. John many times with friends and guests with zero problems. This Oct was not one of those times... I tied up at Mary's Point as usual, put my crew of 8 in the dingy and headed for customs. USCG was there as I rounded the point. Yes, I was in the wrong as far as the US side goes as I had 9 people in a dingy limited to 5, and not one PFD present. This is the one and only time Ive been stopped in 9 years. They were doing their job, training young guys, and again my mistake. Just a heads up. Regardless, a trip to St John is well worth it! Saving grace was I had current paperwork, AND I was on a charter company boat, so USCG was a bit confused as to how to play it. Still waiting for the paperwork and 'possible fines' they told me were coming, to hit the mailbox
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