DPNR Gives Storm Preparation Guidelines for Boaters in Territory

All boaters should begin to make necessary preparations for the approaching tropical storm. Boaters are advised to plan or relocate to the havens listed below.

The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources advises boaters to use the three-point mooring system found in the “Survive a Hurricane” booklet, available at V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

St. Thomas-St. John District: 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 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-served basis.

Enforcement officers will be available to assist boaters in maintaining an organized entry and site location for vessels or to resolve difficult situations.

1. Boaters will return to regular moorings once 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 onboard their vessels during a storm. Land-based shelters are available. Contact 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 that have sunk or washed ashore, must notify the Department of Planning and Natural Resources with the vessels location and an estimated time when the owner will salvage his/her vessel. Vessel owners are responsible for removing wrecked vessels.