Marine Association of the BVI News

Marine Max - Customer Service Briefer

Marine Association of the BVI — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:53:28 GMT

Marine Max - Part Time Admin Assistant

Marine Association of the BVI — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:54:20 GMT

Message from the new Chairperson

Marine Association of the BVI — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:11:32 GMT

Dear Members,

As you may already know, at the AGM for the Marine Association of the BVI, the election for the position of chair resulted in a tie. Subsequently the election was held online to try and reach a wider number of members. The sitting board voted in favor of certifying the outcome. Engagement from the membership was very good with most eligible members participating in the vote, which is a great sign for the association.

As the new chair for the association, I am committed to ensuring we fully represent our members and ensure your voices are heard. As usual, we will be holding the regular monthly meeting on Wednesday at 12:30pm at VISAR base in Road Reef, on the last Wednesday of the month. I hope you will be able to join us.

If you ever have matters you’d like to raise, feel free to reach out to us.

Jeremy Twist

Chairperson

Board of Directors | Marine Association of the BVI

Sail Caribbean Divers - Watersports Assistant

Marine Association of the BVI — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:38:35 GMT

CRVL Basics

Marine Association of the BVI — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 14:48:41 GMT

Recent updates to the Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing (CRVL) framework aim to bring clarity, maintain safety standards, and ensure the BVI continues to meet its international maritime obligations. As commercial activity grows, these changes are also designed to support marine safety, strengthen customs operations, and provide clearer vessel classifications and licensing requirements.

We know change isn’t always easy, especially when it involves legislation. With any new framework, there’s a period of working through what it all means in practice. Our goal is to break down the CRVL legislation in a clear and practical way, starting with the basics and building from there. We may not get every detail perfect right away, but through open discussion and shared feedback, we can work through it together.

Please share your thoughts, comments, or questions by emailing us at admin@marinebvi.org or reach out to a board member.

MPT Cohort 8

Marine Association of the BVI — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:23:54 GMT

HLSCC Marine Courses

Marine Association of the BVI — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:53:19 GMT

HLSCC has a full calendar of upcoming courses in the new year!

Courses include:

RYA Powerboat Level 2; Caribbean Boatmaster Grade 2/3 Prep; RYA Essentials Navigation and Seamanship; Marine VHF Radio; Marine Professional Training (MPT) Level 1; and ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) Online Certificate Courses.

For full details please CLICK HERE.

BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show

Marine Association of the BVI — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT

For more information regarding the show please click HERE.

Webasto Air Conditioning Maintenance, Service and Repair

Marine Association of the BVI — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:40:51 GMT

The Centre for Applied Marine Studies (CAMS) is excited to announce the next Beyond Curriculum Tech Workshop, powered by Marine Max Vacations and Nanny Cay Marina.

This 4-day hands-on workshop will focus on Webasto Air Conditioning Maintenance, Service and Repair, providing the perfect opportunity to upskill your tradecraft and enhance your marine tech expertise.

As with all Tech Workshops, an American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) online course is a prerequisite to the in-person component of Beyond Curriculum Courses.

Dates: Friday 8^th November - Monday 11^th November 2024

Times: 9am to 4pm daily

Location: HLSCC CAMS Paraquita Bay Campus and Nany Cay Marina

Pre-requisite: ABYC's Basic Marine Electrical and Corrosion Mitigation online short course (5-10 hours)

Spaces can fill quickly! To register, or for more information, please email marine@hlscc.edu.vg or call 852-7020.

Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (CRVL) External Stakeholder Meeting

Marine Association of the BVI — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:00:00 GMT

On behalf of the Minister for Finance, please note that you are kindly invited to attend a follow-up Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (CRVL) External Stakeholder Meeting with the Hotel and Marine Associations to further discuss the amendments to the CRVL Act and other key pieces of Maritime Legislation.

The meeting will be held at Maria's by the Sea Conference Room on 8th October, 2024 at 5:00 pm.

Your attendance is of utmost importance as we continue to chart the course forward.

BVI Wreck Week - June 16-22

Marine Association of the BVI — Wed, 15 May 2024 13:27:37 GMT

KATS Summer Program - Save the Date!

Marine Association of the BVI — Sun, 12 May 2024 13:29:49 GMT

Spring Regatta 2024

Marine Association of the BVI — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:23:55 GMT

Mark your calendars for Spring Regatta 2024 from April 1-7 at Nanny Cay. For more details click HERE.

MABVI 2024 Board of Directors

Marine Association of the BVI — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:57:20 GMT

The Marine Association of the BVI is pleased to introduce the 2024 Board of Directors who were elected today at the Annual General Meeting. Thank you for all those who attended.

Executive Directors: Andrew Ball (Chair), Peter Twist (Vice Chair), Miles Sutherland-Pilch (Treasurer), Dick Schoonover (Secretary) and Sam Welch (Past Chair).

Directors: Jeremy Twist (Bareboat), Janet Oliver (Crewed Yachts), Nia Jeffers (Marine Services), Julian Johnson (Associate Members), Matt Holt (Education & Employment).

Photo Left to Right: Andrew Ball, Nia Jeffers, Dick Schoonover, Janet Oliver, Peter Twist, Sam Welch, Jeremy Twist, Miles Sutherland-Pilch and Matthew Holt.

Additional Dates for RYA Level 2 Powerboat Course

Marine Association of the BVI — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:21:07 GMT

HLSCC FACEBOOK PAGE: The Centre for Applied Marine Studies' RYA Level 2 Powerboat courses for Spring 2024 are currently underway and will continue through April 2024.

This two-day, practical on-the-water course is taught primarily on 6.3m RIBs. The course aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.

It focuses on low-speed close-quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations.

Sign up today and start the process by emailing marine@hlscc.edu.vg. The course is only $550 per person. For more information, give the Centre a call at (284) 852-7020

MABVI: Thoughts and Feedback

Marine Association of the BVI — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:30:17 GMT

MABVI MEMBERS: We are looking for your feedback about the organization and we've sent you an email with a questionnaire.

Please check your inbox and if you didn't receive it, please email admin@marinebvi.org.

VI Maritime & Shipping Authority Act, 2023 passed in HoA-VINO News

Marine Association of the BVI — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:46:18 GMT

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/vi-maritime-shipping-authority-act-2023-passed-in-hoa

Annapolis Sailboat Show - October 12-15, 2023

Marine Association of the BVI — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:48:06 GMT

Sailors from around the globe gather in beautiful downtown Annapolis every October for the Annapolis Sailboat Show.

"This annual celebration of sailing features floating docks lined with sailboats from manufacturers around the world. Multihulls, monohulls, cruisers, racers, sailing dinghies and more. Show tents line the shore, stocked with the latest in nautical gear and accessories, electronics, communication equipment, sails, rigging, education, charter companies, clubs and more.

Seasoned and novice sailors alike are invited to expand their horizons and connect with fellow sailors during this internationally acclaimed show." Annapolis Sailboat Show Website.

Many BVI based charter companies and business will be in attendance. To learn more click HERE.

Terrestrial Warden Glendon Gregg has secured a scholarship

Marine Association of the BVI — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:30:00 GMT

From NPTVI's Facebook Page:

NPTVI is so proud that our very own Terrestrial Warden Glendon Gregg has secured a scholarship to undertake a two year Forestry Diploma at the University of Trinidad and Tobago!

This was made possible through the Virgin Island's Government participation in an OECS project entitled, 'Integrated Landscape Approaches and Investments in Sustainable Land Management' (ILM). The aim of this initiative is to strengthen and build technical capacity within the Forestry sub-sector, in areas such as the management of forests, land, parks and wildlife, and water resources, towards a sustainable future.

We wish Glendon good luck and look forward to all the skills he will bring back to the BVI!

HLSCC, Nanny Cay and Marine Max: Beyond Curriculum

Marine Association of the BVI — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:39:58 GMT

HLSCC Marine & Maritime Studies will be teaming up with Marine Max Vacations and Nanny Cay to deliver this series of short courses with marine industry dealers and manufacturers!

To learn more click HERE.

National Parks Update

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:48:13 GMT

See attached video for an update to charter operators and seafarers in BVI Waters from the BVI National Parks Trust.

GMT20230223-170414_Recording_1920x1080.mp4

BVI SEAPORT REOPENING DELAYED AGAIN; CHAIRMAN OF MARINE ASSOCIATION & OPPOSITION LEADER SPEAK OUT!

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:34:00 GMT

Read the full article here.

BVI SEAPORT REOPENING DELAYED AGAIN; CHAIRMAN OF MARINE ASSOCIATION & OPPOSITION LEADER SPEAK OUT!

LOCAL

FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | 1:34 PM

BY JOVAN WILSON

The reopening of seaports been delayed to April 15th according to a statement released by the BVI Ports Authority, sending outrage throughout the marine community.

The BVIPA listed these four reasons to substantiate the delay;

i. that islands within the region have reported increased numbers of COVID-19 cases;

ii. the increased possibility of the introduction of variant strains from international travelers;

iii. due to the demands of the roll-out of the vaccines and the need to ensure a large percent of the local population is vaccinated, the health personnel normally needed to assist in monitoring procedures at the entry portal is significantly stretched and as such the efficiency to monitor the opening is challenged; and

iv. to enhance the customer experience through further infrastructural improvements at the Road Town Jetty and other ports of entry in light of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The Road Town Jetty and other seaports were initially scheduled to reopen on March 1stafter being closed for almost a year.

Leader of the Opposition Marlon Penn has since said that not only does the Government lack a thorough plan to effectively manage the reopening of the seaports but there is also lack of transparency.

Opposition Leader- Honorable Marlon Penn

The Leader of the Opposition said, “The Government first announced a reopening date for our seaports of December 8. The reopening was delayed to January 21, and then a further delay of March 1 was announced. However, as the March 1 deadline is drawing near, we are now receiving reports that the reopening has a further delay of April 15. To date, we have not received any updates or any information on the progress, processes and/or logistics of how the reopening of the ports will be managed; leaving us to infer that a reopening in the near future may not be forthcoming,” the Opposition leader stated.

Honourable Penn expressed that the previous two postponements, followed by a third postponement; i.e. the constant false start of the reopening of our seaports stem from this Administration’s lack of planning, lack of leadership and reflects poorly on BVI and damages our global image.

Since the announcement there has been lots of outrage within the marine community and tourists who frequent the islands via the sea.

Chairman of Marine Association- Andrew Ball

Andrew Ball, Chairman of the Marine Association said the delay is disappointing. Mr. Ball said “It is very disappointing that there has not been engagement with stakeholders on this matter. Whilst the decision not to open the seaports itself is saddening, what is most discouraging is the late notice. Businesses and investors have been unable to plan effectively because they have not been privy to the public sector’s plan. This has led to a significant loss in investor confidence which will affect us in the long term, outlasting the COVID pandemic. In the short term this will cause more businesses to close, and further loss of employment. To be clear, the lack of coordination is arguably more damaging than the failure to open on its own.”

The BVIPA’s update was sent out via email at 8:42pm on Wednesday evening.

49th BVI Spring Regatta Postponed

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 14:00:33 GMT

Read the full article here.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands – February 25, 2021 – The 49th BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, which was scheduled for March 29 to April 4, 2021, has been postponed until 2022 following deep consideration by all entities involved. The BVI Spring Regatta Committee, after discussions with the BVI Government Ministry of Health, concluded that the postponement was in the best interests for the safety of all participants, volunteers, and the wider BVI community.

Following in the steps of many of the major Caribbean regattas that have also been postponed, the Spring Regatta was anticipating offering world class racing and camaraderie for all participants.

“As much as we would have loved to welcome everyone back to the BVI, the most important factors are health and safety for all,” Judy Petz, Regatta Director, stated. “Our international participants understand the situation and are already planning for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival in March 2022.”

The postponement of the event is a financial blow to the non-profit entity which organizes this internationally respected sailing event, as well as to the BVI community, which typically enjoys a positive economic impact from the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival of approximately $4 million each year. This loss to the local economy these past two years due to the pandemic has been devastating, particularly to the yachting sector.

The regatta committee would also like to thank all of our sponsors during these unpredictable times. Their continued support enables us to move forward and take the event to an even higher level of racing and participation. The committee would also like to extend a thank you to the participants who had planned to attend.

“We hope that as Covid-19 vaccination programs progress and international travel restrictions are lifted that it will become safer for people to travel and participate in events like ours,” Petz continued. “We look forward to making next year a terrific event, one that all of our participants, sponsors and the community can look forward to.”

Marine Association Elects 2021 Board of Directors

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:00:03 GMT

Following elections at the 2021 Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday February 24th, 2020 via Zoom, new Directors have been elected as follows:

Chairperson: Andrew Ball, Caribbean Marine Surveyors
Vice Chairperson: Peter Twist, Conch Charters
Past Chairperson: Sam Welch, Retired
Secretary: Janet Oliver, BVI Charter Yacht Society
Treasurer: Todd Paterson, B&G Yacht Management
Bareboat Sector Representative: Barney Crook, TMM Charters
Crewed Yachts Sector Representative: Janet Oliver, BVI Charter Yacht Society
Marine Services Sector Representative: Miles Sutherland Pilch, Nanny Cay
Associate Members Representative: Julien Johnson, Island Time
Education & Employment Representative: Matt Holt, HLSCC

We thank the 2020 Board of Directors for their service.