The Ministry of Finance has established a new Unit in an effort to improve the processing of applications for commercial recreation vessel licences with effect from Monday, 19^th December, 2022.

The establishment of this new Commercial Recreations Vessel Licencing Unit (CRVLU) comes weeks after the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley announced the change in procedures for applications for foreign based vessels chartering in the Virgin Islands.

In an online statement on 12^th November, 2022 which was followed by a statement in the House of Assembly on 15^th November, 2022, the Premier and Minister of Finance stated that the Government of National Unity had made the decision to remove the requirement for BVI trade licences from foreign-based water taxis and commercial recreational vessels conducting day or term charters, as well as the requirement for work permits for the crew working on these vessels. This decision was made in an effort to provide a more efficient and streamlined experience for our incoming guests, he said.

Following that announcement, various Government stakeholders have been engaged in discussions on making improvements to the existing procedures.

Speaking on the new Unit, Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett, indicated that this is another Public Service transformation initiative to improve services rendered to the public. “With an expanded dedicated team of individuals, greater focus will be placed on processing applications in a more timely manner for this vital sector of the tourism industry”, Frett said. Once the Unit is launched, payments can be made electronically and certificates can be issued electronically. The Financial Secretary asked for the patience of the public as the Ministry implements the improved service.

The new procedure will require new application forms (now digitally fillable) which should be uploaded, with the relevant attachments as a single document and sent to crvl@gov.vg. Applicants can request forms by contacting (284) 468-3297 or (284) 468-2144. Further information will be communicated in the coming days.

The Financial Secretary noted that the intent is to fully digitise the process by creating a cloud-based application that will be utilised to manage the process, thereby improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability during processing.  The application will be designed to be user-friendly and technologically relevant, affording improved document issuance and remote verification.

The Commercial Recreation Vessels Licencing Act, 1992 provides for the licencing of commercial recreational vessels and the issuing of permits to non-commercial recreational vessels.

Persons are asked to note that applications for cruising permits will continue to be processed by the Custom’s Department.