Business owner calls for clearer language in draft maritime bill

Maritime business owner Julien Johnson has expressed concern over the ambiguous language in the government’s draft maritime legislation, warning that the current wording could create confusion for boat operators and foreign charters.

Speaking at a recent industry consultation, Johnson — who operates Island Time Boat Rentals — pointed specifically to unclear provisions regarding the entry of foreign-based water taxis into the territory. He said while these vessels are supposed to enter through designated ports, the draft bill fails to communicate this clearly.

“It’s in section 10C and it may be mentioned somewhere else. But that needs to be made a little clearer and explicit in what it’s trying to say,” Johnson explained.

The proposed legislation aims to regulate marine traffic and charter operations more effectively. While Johnson welcomed the government’s efforts to close loopholes that allow foreign operators to skirt the rules, he stressed that the legislation must be written in straightforward language.

“My concern is that you find people registering the boats here, getting the CRVL [Commercial Recreational Vessels Licence], creating some kind of satellite office that gives the impression that they’re home-based. And the boats are coming back and forth from the US every day,” he said.

Johnson also raised concerns about the bill’s definition of home-based versus foreign-based vessels, arguing that a clear distinction is crucial for ensuring fairness in the local industry.

“It needs to be, at least for day charters and water taxis, explicitly stated in the bill that a home-based BVI day charter boat or water taxi is licensed here, registered here, and based here — a physical base of operations, even if the boat might have to be based here,” he asserted.

Among the more urgent issues highlighted was the ongoing practice of US Virgin Islands (USVI) day charter boats picking up guests in the BVI without starting their journey in the USVI.

“We think it’s very important that this new bill makes that a restricted, prohibited activity,” Johnson said.

He noted that while his business has no objection to USVI vessels bringing guests from the USVI and returning with them, the reverse practice undermines local operators and creates an uneven playing field.

Johnson also recommended simplifying the entry process for USVI day-trippers, suggesting they be treated similarly to cruise ship passengers to reduce delays and bureaucracy.