79.6 F
Cruz Bay
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal governmentDPNR to Enforce New Anchoring Guidelines Within USVI Waters

DPNR to Enforce New Anchoring Guidelines Within USVI Waters

John Brewer’s Bay full of vessels in early May (Photo provided by LaVerne Ragster)

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has called for all transient vessels anchored within U.S. Virgin Islands waters to observe the following anchoring guidelines in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic:

Maintain social distancing of six feet;

No rafting (vessels tying up together) of vessels is allowed; maintain at least 12 feet between vessels;

Do not anchor in designated swim zones;

Upon entering the territory, either a long-term or short-term anchoring permit is required, depending on length of stay;

All passengers on the vessel must submit the health questionnaire; those arriving from the States identified from the Governor’s 10th Supplemental Executive Order must provide a negative COVID-19 test.

All applications and forms can be found in fillable .pdf format on the DPNR website at http://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-enforcement/ search under “Applications & Forms.” Boaters are required to request for long-term or short-term anchoring by submitting an application to the division via email at dee@dpnr.vi.gov.  Once processed, applicants will be contacted by staff to complete the process or be informed that the permit is ready for pick up and/or payment. Payments preferred are credit cards and checks. Credit card payments will be accepted over the phone.

Long-term anchoring (14 or more nights) will only be approved in designated mooring and anchoring areas and must be renewed every 30 days.

If there any questions or concerns, contact Director of Environmental Enforcement Howard A. Forbes Sr. at 773-5774 or Assistant Director Jessica Parris at 227-8253.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.