TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Bvi customs boat

At Saba yesterday a bvi customs boat tied up to me and asked to see my papers. They were courteous and professional. I have no complaints. Took maybe ten minutes. I think they were making sure I had paid the necessary fees. Never had that happen before and for that matter it's the first time I have ever even seen a bvi govt boat of any kind.

Just curious, were you on a charter boat or private boat. If it was a charter was it a BVI or USVI based boat?
G

I'd add, if it was charter, was it clearly marked?

We saw one of their boats once and they ignored us. I have a feeling they skip moorings/sunsail boats. - Maybe others that are clear BVI charter boats.

I was on a Voyage charter boat 4 or 5 years ago in the Bight and was boarded by officers from a BVI Customs boat. Similar experience; 10 minutes, checked boat paperwork, asked a couple of questions, were polite and efficient. Finished and went on their way.

The Voyage boats are pretty well identifiable as charter boats.

My home boating area is only 10 or 15 miles from the Canadian border so I'm fairly used to those types of stops and questions.

I have not been stopped in 30 years, and normally charter out of the USVI.
Would be interested to know if you were a USVI boat visiting the BVI.

Charter boat from CYOA. Clearly marked plus us flag.

we have only been stopped by U.S Customs entering Charlotte Harbor. they did check everything took at least a 1/2 hour.

We had a BVI customs boat tie up to us at Copper Island one year. Like others said, 10 minutes, very polite. We also say them board a boat at Salt Island, after they left that boat, they just went by us and waved.

But did they check your vessel for flare guns? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

We pulled into North Sound and anchored off Prickly Pear beach about 4 years ago. We had a visit from the BVI customs boat. We were two charter boats, but 'unmarked' with any advertising. I think they focus on 'entry' points from USVI and lower Carib, looking to make sure that the entry fees and permits have been paid.

Boats from USVI such as CYOA charters might be good targets because they may not have stopped and paid immediately upon entry and might be making some stops before they officially check in.

This time of year they are checking the Puerto Rican boats.

We have seen them clear boats out of Cane Garden Bay at sunset. Not sure if boats were planning on spending the night or not, but the night we were there at least 10 boats left heading west. Not sure if Soper's or Cruz Bay was the destination, but they did not return, this would have been around July 25.

Was approached Thursday at Cooper, just looking at papers, passport. Less than 15 minutes, very friendly and professional.

Two at the end of the drake in front of st john yesterday. As soon as we passed they gunned off towards jvd. After we waved at them.

Black boats with three big out oards

Stayed at Guavaberry the end of April and noticed
a government boat every day at Spring Bay/Baths.
From the beach, it seemed uneventful but don't
remember seeing them in years past.

Mike
Trying to be the man my dog thinks I am