Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has called for all transient vessels anchored within U.S. Virgin Islands waters to observe the following anchoring guidelines in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic:
Maintain social distancing of six feet;
No rafting (vessels tying up together) of vessels is allowed; maintain at least 12 feet between vessels;
Do not anchor in designated swim zones;
Upon entering the territory, either a long-term or short-term anchoring permit is required, depending on length of stay;
All passengers on the vessel must submit the health questionnaire; those arriving from the States identified from the Governor’s 10th Supplemental Executive Order must provide a negative COVID-19 test.
All applications and forms can be found in fillable .pdf format on the DPNR website at http://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-enforcement/ search under “Applications & Forms.” Boaters are required to request for long-term or short-term anchoring by submitting an application to the division via email at dee@dpnr.vi.gov. Once processed, applicants will be contacted by staff to complete the process or be informed that the permit is ready for pick up and/or payment. Payments preferred are credit cards and checks. Credit card payments will be accepted over the phone.
Long-term anchoring (14 or more nights) will only be approved in designated mooring and anchoring areas and must be renewed every 30 days.
If there any questions or concerns, contact Director of Environmental Enforcement Howard A. Forbes Sr. at 773-5774 or Assistant Director Jessica Parris at 227-8253.