While the reasons for basing a charter yacht in the BVI are myriad, the regulatory path to getting started is much more specific. This guide provides a modern overview of the landscape, licensing requirements, and operational standards you must navigate before dropping anchor and welcoming your first guests.
Trade License
All BVI companies (on land or sea) require a Trade License to operate their business. There are 2 ways to obtain a license:
- Apply for your own Trade License:
This route can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. You may choose to file on your own or use the services of an agent or lawyer to assist in the process. Application forms can be obtained from and returned to the government
Department of Trade, Investment, Promotion and Consumer Affairs
.
- Operate under the Trade License of a BVI Charter Company:
The BVI has a selection of recognized Clearinghouses and/or Charter Management Companies which can cover your need for a trade license.
Charter Yacht License – Commercial Recreational Vessel License (CRVL)
Your yacht requires a CRVL to legally operate as a passenger-carrying vessel. To secure a CRVL for your vessel you will be required to submit an array of documents including yacht insurance and a *safety certificate. Pricing of CRVL’s range from $800/year to $4000/year.
Registering your vessel
Where you flag (register) your vessel matters. You don't have to flag your vessel in the BVI to base here, but being BVI registered and BVI “owned” (via a BVI company) affords you more flexibility in your charter operations. Forming a BVI company is a straightforward process and can be done in a relatively short period of time.
Your clearinghouse should be able to assist in navigating the channels to obtain a CRVL.
Understanding the legislation
Being familiar with the legislation which governs the industry can be helpful in grasping the various tiers of charter operation. The following pieces of legislation are key to the commercial charter yacht sector:
- Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act (1992) (principal act) and CRVL Amendment Act
- Home Port and Cruising Act (Principal)and Home Port and Cruising Act (Amendment)
Crew Members and Work Permits
Non-BVI crew must obtain work permits via the territory’s online labor management system. While the process is rigorous your agent or clearinghouse will assist with the navigation.
- The Skipper: Must hold a VISMA-recognized captain’s license and STCW certification. Beyond technical skills, a successful captain must excel at hospitality and guest engagement.
- The Chef/First Mate: Requires formal culinary qualifications, high flexibility, and STCW certification.
Work permit fees are based on salary. The average cost is about $1200 - $1500 and must be renewed annually. All BVI employees are required to contribute to
Social Security (SSB),
National Health Insurance (NHI) and
Inland Revenue (taxes).
Additional documents:
You will also require the following to operate a commercial yacht in the BVI.
- Cruising Permit (only when on charter)
A yacht must have a Cruising Permit for their party when on charter. It is a “per person per day” tax payable to customs. BVI Based: $4 pp/pday
There is a hefty fine to pay if the yacht is missing its cruising permit.
- *BVI Radio Station License
- *Operator’s License
- National Parks Trust Certificate: If you are going to pick up National Park Mooring Buoys during the charter, you must have a National Parks Trust permit. Annual or per charter permits are available. Pricing is based on capacity and base of operation.
- Fishing License: If fishing is offered on a yacht (whether it is with rental gear, personal gear or the yacht's gear), a registration number is required for the yacht and every person wanting to fish must have a fishing license.
*Obtained through
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission located in Road Town.