HM Customs is hosting a webinar on May 2, 10:30a-12:00p to discuss the requirements for foreign based companies or boats to conduct charters in the BVI.

Here's a link to their "guidelines" document:
http://bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/foreign_charter_companies_guide_brochure_revised.pdf

They distinguish between vessels:
A. "Not Regularly Engaged in Charter" (no more than 2 in a 3-month period and no more than 5 within the charter season, Nov 1 to Oct 31, within the BVI)
B. "Regularly Engaged in Charter" (daily and weekly charters within BVI
C. "Frequently Engaged in Charter" (more than 2 in a 3-month period, or more than 5 within the charter season, but less than daily and weekly charters)

The company needs to provide a Charter Operational Plan to the Commissioner of Customs with the intended types of charter, vessels in fleet (with Certificate of Registration - VI Shipping Registry letter of recognition, Safety Commercial Vessel Certificates, Vessel Insurance), and presumably just for crewed charters the Crew List and Certificates (Captains license, STCW and other certificates for the crew, passport copy).

For Category A, also need to provide Business License or Certificate of Incorporation, List of Directors, Good Standing Certificate/financials, Written Authorization from owner of each vessel to use in charter operation. Charter Authorization applications need to be made in person at HM Customs Headquarters with processing time of 1-5 days.

For Category B& C foreign charter companies, need to also provide Incorporation Information (register of members/directors/certificate of incorporation), good standing certificate. Trade License applications need to be made in person at HM Customs with processign time of 1-5 days.

There are also numerous documentation requirements and work permit applications required for any paid captain and crew.


There are probably some BVI Agents advertising their services to USVI charter companies and other foreign based charter companies.