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HomeNewsLocal governmentDPNR Gives Hurricane Preparation Guidelines for Boaters in the U.S.V.I.

DPNR Gives Hurricane Preparation Guidelines for Boaters in the U.S.V.I.

All boaters should begin to make necessary preparations for Hurricane Maria. Boaters desiring to take the initiative are advised to relocate to the havens mentioned below.

St. Thomas-St John:

All safe havens remain the same. There is still space available at all locations. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is urging the boating public to secure their vessels in one of these locations if they have not already done so.

Safe Havens: Benner Bay, Mandahl Pond, Flamingo Bay

Hurricane Hole is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, boaters must coordinate with the NPS on St. John for a assigned mooring location; contact the Chief Ranger of Protection.

St. Croix District

Safe Haven: Salt-River

  1. Initial entry into the havens will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  2. Boaters will return to regular moorings once a new bulletin is issued; however,
  • Hurricane anchors can remain for the entire Hurricane season.
  • Vessels leaving anchors in the haven will use one mooring ball attached to hurricane anchor line marked with vessels registration number.
  • During additional storms, vessels may return to initial location marked by mooring ball displaying vessels registration number.
  • Vessels may not anchor in or obstruct navigational channel in Benner Bay or Salt-River.
  • No vessels are allowed at Krause Lagoon or its channel, on St. Croix. This area is designated a Homeland Security Zone.
  1. Boaters should not remain on-board their vessels during a storm. Land based shelters are available. Contact Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).
  2. After the hurricane season is “deemed over,” all hurricane anchors and gear must be removed.
  3. Securing vessels to nearby trees will be done only when necessary and by utilizing proper chaffing material on all lines. Lines must be removed immediately after the storm.
  4. Communication to boaters will be via press release or V.I. Radio on Marine Channel 16.
  5. After the storm, owners of vessels which have sunk or washed ashore, must notify DPNR with the vessels location (GPS) and an estimated time when the owner will salvage his/her vessel. Vessel owners are responsible for removing wrecked vessels.

To report any areas of concern, contact the Division of Environmental Enforcement at 773-5774, or notify the Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) at 774-2244.

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