Authorities Urge Caution Amid Rising Marine Traffic
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has warned mariners to exercise heightened caution as boat, charter and water-sports activity increases across the North Sound and surrounding BVI waters. MSIRA emphasised safe speeds (five knots in channels and mooring fields), proper lookouts, sober skippers and mandatory reporting of all marine accidents under the Merchant Shipping Act 2001.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) in the Premier’s Office has issued a safety alert to all operators using the North Sound and neighbouring waters as marine traffic continues to rise across the Virgin Islands. MSIRA’s February 4 press release names Virgin Gorda (North and South), Norman Island, Cooper Island and Jost Van Dyke as areas experiencing heavy congestion, with charter vessels, private boats, dinghies, swimmers and watersports users sharing the same spaces.
Jerome Padmore, Chief Marine Accident Investigator, warned that small margins for error in busy conditions can lead to serious incidents. "In these busy conditions, decisions such as maintaining a safe speed, keeping a proper lookout, staying situationally aware, and ensuring that the captain is sober, can make the difference between a safe day on the water and a serious incident," Padmore said, citing a fatal 2024 collision in the North Sound between a dinghy and a yacht tender as a sobering reminder.
MSIRA flagged recent reports of vessels operating at excessive speeds in confined areas, transiting too fast through mooring fields and anchoring in ways that obstruct safe passage. Such behaviours are especially risky where swimmers, paddlers and low-profile craft are present, and when visibility is reduced at night.
To reduce risk, the Authority reminded skippers, charter companies and operators of obligations under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping Act 2001 and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Key recommendations include maintaining a proper lookout, proceeding at a safe speed, taking early action to avoid danger, and operating at controlled speeds of five knots within channels and mooring fields.
Vessels should display proper navigation lighting after dark and avoid high-speed transits through confined or heavily used areas. Padmore also stressed the importance of reporting. "Reporting is crucial for identifying safety trends and preventing future harm, and it is vital for protecting everyone who uses our waters," he said, reminding operators that all marine accidents and incidents must be reported under the Merchant Shipping Act 2001.
For residents and businesses in the BVI, the advisory is a prompt to review on-water practices: ensure lifejackets and safety gear are serviceable, brief guests and crew on procedures, check lighting and navigation equipment before departure, and keep channels clear when anchoring.
Prompt reporting to MSIRA helps authorities identify hazards and target safety measures to keep the Territory’s waters safe for locals and visitors alike.
Primary source: BVI News