Federal officials raise BVI charter vessel matter during Washington meeting; Governor seeks October talks and September 25 response
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has formally called for an urgent Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington, D.C., after representatives from several federal agencies raised questions Thursday about the status of the British Virgin Islands’ Commercial Recreational Vessel License framework and its impact on U.S. Virgin Islands maritime businesses.
During a September 17 meeting with Governor Bryan at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., representatives from Interior, the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the United States Trade Representative and U.S. Small Business Administration inquired about the status of the BVI matter and its implications for USVI-based commercial operators, passenger movement and regional commerce.
The discussion underscored the broader federal interests implicated by regulations affecting U.S.-flagged vessels, American businesses and passengers, maritime activity and cross-border commerce.
Following the meeting, Governor Bryan formally proposed that the USVI and BVI convene an Inter-Virgin Islands Council meeting in Washington during the week of October 12, with relevant federal agencies participating. The Governor has requested written confirmation of the BVI Government’s participation by September 25, 2026.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands has approached this issue in good faith and with respect for the BVI’s authority to regulate commercial activity in its waters,” Governor Bryan said. “But these regulations have consequences for U.S. businesses, U.S. vessels and U.S. passengers, and the interest expressed by our federal partners makes clear that this matter extends beyond the waters separating our two territories.”
Federal representatives expressed willingness to participate in a coordinated discussion between the USVI and BVI, and federal meeting space has been offered for the proposed October session, subject to final scheduling.
The BVI’s previously announced CRVL framework included charges of $7,500 annually for certain foreign-based term-charter vessels with up to seven entries, $2,100 for each additional entry, $24,000 for unlimited entries, $8,500 for day trips and $2,500 for water-taxi licenses.
The Administration has raised concerns about the cumulative effect of those costs, entry limitations, preauthorization requirements, vessel documentation, crew-clearance procedures and other conditions on USVI charter vessels, water taxis, dive operators and related businesses.
“Our businesses cannot be expected to operate indefinitely under escalating costs, uncertain procedures and requirements that affect their ability to compete and earn a living,” Governor Bryan said. “We are neighbors, and our preference is to resolve this cooperatively. But we also have a responsibility to protect the economic interests of the people and businesses of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The proposed Washington meeting would address CRVL implementation, licensing fees and entry limitations, customs and immigration procedures, vessel and crew requirements, and transparent and commercially workable standards for cross-border maritime activity.
The USVI is also seeking a documented work plan with defined responsibilities, deadlines, interim protections for affected operators and a schedule for follow-up.
Governor Bryan said the October meeting provides an opportunity for the two territories to reach a mutually respectful resolution before broader federal consideration becomes necessary.
“We have offered a clear path forward,” Governor Bryan said. “The appropriate next step is for the BVI Government to come to the table with the USVI and our federal partners so we can address these concerns constructively and establish a stable path forward for the maritime economy we share.”
Should the matter remain unresolved, relevant federal agencies may consider issues within their respective responsibilities involving maritime safety, customs, immigration, border security, transportation, trade and other federal interests affecting U.S. vessels, businesses, passengers and commerce.
The Bryan-Roach Administration will continue coordinating with USVI maritime businesses, industry stakeholders and federal partners while awaiting the BVI Government’s response.
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