"Smith said that it was proposed that the fees be raised and one fee be charged."

There are promises in the press to simplify all this for the boating community. What is also clear is the local government hopes to raise the total cost to boats visiting and local almost $2 Million in the process. This paste is from this week:

Quote
All marine fees charged for vessels cruising in the BVI waters are expected to increase. Financial Secretary, Mr. Neil Smith said that the fee structure is currently under review.

Smith said it was agreed that those fees are low and tend to become confusing because fees are collected from different areas.

It has been agreed that a fee structure should be set that is easier to administer and encourage boats to register or base their boats in the BVI.

With the re-organization of the fee structure, government is expected to raise $1.6M.

Smith explained that when a foreign vessel comes to the BVI, they are required to obtain a cruising permit and this had been around for some time. He added that there are other fees that must be paid as well.

A research showed that when vessels came from the outside, the structure required those registering vessels to pay various fees under different legislation. Smith said that it was proposed that the fees be raised and one fee be charged.


Long ago we once skirted all kinds of laws including checking in and out during one night or stop. We do not do that anymore the cost of being stopped and made an example of is far to great. So far the only nasty examples have been boats coming over from the USVI. Why take the chance with a night or many more in the BVI jail and major costs in dollars during a vacation. If you must fish hire a BVI belonger to take you on a guided trip.

We should also note the USVI raised the total tax on all overnite lodging to 12.5% of the total tab. The tax on charters in France, Italy, and across the med is 20% or more on the total cost of the boat.

My point simple is going to cost us all when it gets here!