Posted By: tradewinds
Waypoint Charters - 01/09/2023 03:40 PM
Waypoint just announced that their USVI charter boats can travel freely to the BVI.
Posted By: gordapeak
Re: Waypoint Charters - 01/09/2023 07:50 PM
Um, that's pretty interesting. By "travel freely" we are talking no clear-in/clear-out? So no ferries, water taxis etc. You ever charter with them?
Posted By: CaptainJay
Re: Waypoint Charters - 01/09/2023 08:41 PM
No it means that we have the BVI licenses now for the majority of our boats. You will still have to clear in and out and pay cruising fees.
Posted By: Sojourning
Re: Waypoint Charters - 01/10/2023 12:15 PM
Just heard from a Waypoints guest that they were notified by staff at the base that their boat is not approved to go into the BVI. Apparently, Waypoints management on the mainland jumped the gun with an overly ambitious blanket statement that surprised many. The BVI government has not yet announced an effective date and most of the boats don't yet have the safety equipment onboard to be approved.
Posted By: CaptainJay
Re: Waypoint Charters - 01/10/2023 02:05 PM
For those that do not know me. I was part of the management team at CYOA for 15 years. CYOA was acquired by Waypoints. John retired. I am now the Director of US Operations for Waypoints. I still live in St Thomas. We do have blue code inspections and approval from the BVI government for fifteen of our boats. There are a handful of boats in our current fleet that our leaving due to age and owners plans in the next six months or less. Those boats will not go through this process. The costs associated are not viable for a few months of charter. We also have several new boats going through the process now. If you are chartering with us or plan to just ask reservations which boats are currently licensed.
Posted By: GeorgeC1
Re: Waypoint Charters - 01/10/2023 02:09 PM
I am curious what the BVI is requiring for equipment beyond what the normal USVI rules specify? Is it the 2nd fire bucket? Lol