RVIPF, Marine Association launch Operation Island Watch
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in collaboration with the BVI Marine Association have launched a new initiative called ‘Operation Island Watch’, which was designed to offer mariners a tool for reporting suspicious activity in and around the territory’s borders and shorelines.
The RVIPF said in a media release following the launch yesterday that the types of suspicious activity being described range from illegal fishing, illegal smuggling or trafficking, illegal dumping, or any other unlawful use of the territorial waters or shores.
Operation Island Watch does not only seek to engage the help of seafarers such as boat captains and sailers but also regular beachgoers.
“By giving no more than a few details, law enforcement is provided with the information needed to respond quickly and apprehend potential suspects,” Head of the Marine Branch, Inspector Lesroy Simmons stated.
The police have also create a brochure to support Operation Island Watch, and affixed on that document is a scannable QR code. Chief Inspector Louis Buckley said this code will immediately take persons to the police watch site where they would be able to log any suspicious details.
“All we need is a line or two. No other information is required or requested,” Chief Inspector Buckley said.
A dinghy safety brochure was also created in conjunction with the operation and is now available for charter companies, captains and sailing visitors. This brochure lists safety tips for persons travelling in a dinghy, and these tips include maintaining a safe speed, wearing a kill cord and a lifejacket, and practicing safe loading.
Meanwhile, the Marine Association’s role in the initiative has been to fund the operation. Other stakeholders such as the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) have also come on board to offer their endorsement.
“I see this being a win-win for all concerned. The BVI is considered the sailing capital of the world, and we must help to protect this destination at all costs. I think I speak for many within the boating community when I say that I am happy to be part of this initiative and any such initiative that promotes safety and security in our waters,” said VISAR’s Operation Manager, Phil Aspinall.
Free Operation Island Watch and Dinghy Safety brochures are available at the Police Marine Base or at the VISAR Office at Road Reef. Persons can also contact Lesroy Simmons directly at 284-368-9462. Persons who have witnessed or have any knowledge of any suspicious activity on land or sea can continue to call the anonymous Crime Tips line 800-8477.
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Is it really that hard to have a pdf version available for download?
YES ! keep an eye on those police, customs immigration boats !
What happens after people report a violation??
The marine police don’t even have the ability to write a ticket for a violation. Without any enforcement of BVI marine laws this idea becomes a waste of time. We need to change the enforcement process!
Don’t get me wrong, good idea to promote dingy safety and rules (there has been too little instruction for these credit card captains in the past)
Ship dumped sewage right there at the pier and no one did anything about it. The only thing you guys are interested in is smuggling and trafficking. Don’t just do a portion of the work do all that you have on that list respectfully. Stop the Philipino people from catching the baby lobsters and fish. And stop them from going into the protected areas. ??.
Every beach on Tortola is a sand mine to most local concrete builders here. How about $1 fine per grain of sand removed from a BVI beach? That might stop the sand mining!
Another feel good simpleton effort to have the public trying to help where police cannot. Reports will go unanswered so it’s a waste of everyone’s time.
Besides, reporting on belonger smuggling and unsafe boating will garner zero response from officials here. As they are doing it as well