GeorgeC1 said:
The BVI government today announced a ban on autopilot equipped boats. A government minister stated today that the nefarious devices are stealing jobs from locals. They are considering exemptions on a case by case basis and will be setting up a new government division to process autopilot waivers. A application fee of 5000.00 dollars will be required and does not assure approval. Processing time is expected to be 3 weeks to 3 years.
The minister also announced they are taking a hard look at GPS chart plotters and expected at a minimum a new chart plotter tax and perhaps a outright ban. We have thousands of qualified locals who can serve as navigators in the BVI. iPads found with chart plotting software installed will be confiscated and the owners can expect large fines.