BVI Charts Marine Industry Growth Plan
The Government of the Virgin Islands convened a Marine Industry Forum on 18 August at The Moorings Yacht Club to map steps for sector growth, local participation and improved safety. Ministers, industry operators and training providers agreed to pursue licensing reforms, workforce development and stronger enforcement, with follow-up sessions planned for the fall.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation, together with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development and The Moorings, hosted a Marine Industry Forum on 18 August to tackle ways to expand local business and career opportunities in the BVI’s marine sector.
More than 70 people attended in person at The Moorings Yacht Club, with others following online. The forum brought together marine operators, resort representatives, public officers and training providers to discuss practical measures to raise safety, service standards and regulatory compliance while increasing opportunities for British Virgin Islanders.
Minister with responsibility for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, said the meeting responded to concerns previously raised by Virgin Islanders about their participation in the yachting industry. She confirmed that issues and recommendations recorded at the forum will be grouped and referred to the relevant ministries and agencies for focused follow-up, and that this forum is the first of several planned discussions.
Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith emphasised the close link between tourism and the marine industry and urged continued cooperation between government and the private sector to develop consistent service standards and stronger partnerships between operators and resorts.
Presentations highlighted the sector’s role in the National Sustainable Development Plan and offered a snapshot of the industry’s current state and growth potential. Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority, Mr. John Samuel, outlined opportunities for increased local participation, while Chief Marine Accident Investigator Mr.
Jerome Padmore reported more than 20 marine accidents recorded in 2026 so far, largely collisions along with groundings and fires. Padmore called for stronger accident reporting, routine vessel compliance checks, competent operators and improved fire preparedness at marinas. The first, on marine tourism beyond sailing, addressed distinctive local experiences, coordinating with resorts, and pressing business concerns such as licensing costs, access to finance and insurance, operating expenses, infrastructure and enforcement against illegal activity.
Honourable Smith confirmed a government policy decision to reserve day-charter and water-taxi licences for British Virgin Islanders. The second panel focused on careers and workforce development. Speakers including the Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Ms. Marva Dawson-Wheatley discussed introducing students to the blue economy early, apprenticeships, certification pathways and HLSCC programmes in marine technology and STCW training.
A draft Blue Economy Workforce Development Strategy proposes a ‘‘blue-economy passport’’ to track training and work experience. The Ministry will consolidate the forum’s recommendations, refer them to responsible agencies, and hold targeted discussions on licensing and enforcement, business support, safety and workforce development.
Progress will be reported when the wider sector reconvenes in the fall. Source: Government of the Virgin Islands press release.
Primary source: BVI Government