Moorings Reports Decline In Local Captains
The Moorings has reported a significant decrease in local boat captains despite ongoing recruitment efforts across the territory. The announcement comes amid concerns from industry stakeholders regarding employment opportunities for Virgin Islanders in the marine sector. Company officials emphasized that vacancies remain open and outlined potential international work opportunities for local crews.
The Moorings, which operates the largest sailing charter fleet in the British Virgin Islands, has reported a sharp decline in the number of local boat captains on its roster. The disclosure comes at a critical time when concerns remain widespread regarding employment and advancement opportunities for Virgin Islanders within the territory's lucrative marine sector.
Peter Cochran, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at The Moorings BVI, shared the development during a recent marine forum that brought together local boat captains, elected officials, and industry stakeholders. Cochran acknowledged that several long-standing captains have moved on from the company in recent times, though specific departure numbers and detailed reasons were not outlined during the discussion.
Despite the recent losses, Cochran maintained that The Moorings continues to prioritise qualified local mariners when recruiting for open roles. He confirmed that the charter operator currently has vacancies on its roster and actively seeks Virgin Islanders to fill them. Cochran emphasised that local knowledge of BVI waters, marine heritage, and cultural hospitality remains an irreplaceable asset to charter operations.
The staffing update follows recurring frustrations raised by local mariners who contend that charter companies frequently favor expatriates over domestic talent. Addressing the gathering, Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith noted that the government continues to receive complaints regarding the allocation of charter work.
She highlighted concerns that overseas captains often receive a higher share of bookings and addressed reports of local captains being required to train expatriate crew members who subsequently replace them. To address seasonal fluctuations in local marine employment, Cochran revealed that The Moorings is currently exploring a global mobility programme.
The proposed initiative would provide opportunities for local captains to work at the company’s Mediterranean bases—including Greece, Turkey, and Croatia—during slower tourism months in the BVI. The programme could be implemented as early as next year, offering domestic mariners expanded year-round professional opportunities.
Primary source: BVI News