Mariners are being reminded that anchoring is prohibited in narrow channels and fairways leading into a port or marina.

Acting Director for the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry and Receiver of Wrecks, Captain Raman Bala said practicing legal anchoring promotes safety of navigation, saving of lives, preventing collisions and speeds up entry and egress from ports.

He said, “The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry recognises that the buoys to the Manuel Reef channel have been removed by hurricanes but this does not permit obstructing the channel and its approaches. We have noticed that in the approaches to Manuel Reef Marina, numerous vessels are anchored in the fairway. This constricts the channel and makes it unsafe for navigation.”

Captain Bala added, “We are asking that all boat owners, operators, charterers, shipping agents, masters, officers and crew members, inspectors, surveyors and managers of bareboat charter vessels and crewed yachts be mindful of this practice and ensure that they are following the Merchant Shipping laws.”

Contravention of these requirements is an offence under the Merchant Shipping laws and can lead to serious penalties when enforced by the Marine Police.

Additionally, boatmasters are also being reminded to always proceed at a safe speed, maintain a proper look-out and obey the Collision Regulations.

Persons can read more on the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry’s safety alert notice to mariners, by visiting the registry’s page on www.bvi.gov.vg, or use the following direct link  - http://bvi.gov.vg/sites/default/files/resources/safety_alert_no._2_of_2018.pdf

Notes:

1. Boats at sea. (Photo credit: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)
2. Safety Alert No. 2 of 2018 (Notice to Mariners)