TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Waypoint Charters

Waypoint just announced that their USVI charter boats can travel freely to the BVI.

Um, that's pretty interesting. By "travel freely" we are talking no clear-in/clear-out? So no ferries, water taxis etc. You ever charter with them?

No it means that we have the BVI licenses now for the majority of our boats. You will still have to clear in and out and pay cruising fees.

Just heard from a Waypoints guest that they were notified by staff at the base that their boat is not approved to go into the BVI. Apparently, Waypoints management on the mainland jumped the gun with an overly ambitious blanket statement that surprised many. The BVI government has not yet announced an effective date and most of the boats don't yet have the safety equipment onboard to be approved.

For those that do not know me. I was part of the management team at CYOA for 15 years. CYOA was acquired by Waypoints. John retired. I am now the Director of US Operations for Waypoints. I still live in St Thomas. We do have blue code inspections and approval from the BVI government for fifteen of our boats. There are a handful of boats in our current fleet that our leaving due to age and owners plans in the next six months or less. Those boats will not go through this process. The costs associated are not viable for a few months of charter. We also have several new boats going through the process now. If you are chartering with us or plan to just ask reservations which boats are currently licensed.

I am curious what the BVI is requiring for equipment beyond what the normal USVI rules specify? Is it the 2nd fire bucket? Lol