DPNR: Boat, Kayak and Jet Ski Owners Must Register Vessels By June 30 Deadline

CHRISTIANSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) said that the Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) is continuing vessel and mooring registrations for the 2019- 2020 year.

DPNR reminds all vessel owners that 25 V.I.C. § 291 states, that a “VESSEL” means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. Also, pursuant to 25 V.I.C. § 292, no person shall use or operate any vessel including sailboats, hobbie-cats, dinghies, tenders, jet skis, or other similar contrivances on any of the waters of the Virgin Islands unless: (1) such vessel is registered with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources; and (2) an identifying number and decal are visibly displayed on the vessel and the operator can present a valid registration certificate.

Effective immediately, all owners of kayaks, dinghies, tenders, jet skis, or any means of transportation on U.S. Virgin Islands water must be registered by the Department of Planning of Natural Resources, DEE Division by June 30, DPNR Commissioner designee Jean-Pierre Oriol said.

Boaters are asked to bring their most current registration cards to expedite the process. If this is your first time registering a vessel, you must provide the Division with a notarized bill of sale or affidavit of vessel ownership, according to Oriol.

Boaters are also reminded that registration after June 30th will be considered late and may be subject to a late fee. Mail in registration will also be accepted for both districts, he said.

Mail-in registration will also be accepted in each district. 

St. Thomas                                                                       St. Croix

DPNR attn Jessica Magras                                           DPNR attn Howard Forbes

4607 Tutu Park Mall                                                     6003 Anna’s Hope

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802                         Christiansted, VI 00802

For more information contact Howard A. Forbes, Sr., Director at (340) 773-5774 on St. Croix or Jessica A.M. Parris, Asst. Director at (340) 774-3320 ext. 5125 on St. Thomas.