Msira Urges Mariners to Slow Down as
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), operating under the Premier’s Office, is urging all boaters to exercise increased caution as marine activity rises across the Virgin Islands—especially in North Sound. Local media have echoed the warning; BVI Platinum noted the surge and that its online story will soon include comments functionality.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA), operating under the Premier’s Office, is urging all boaters to exercise increased caution as marine activity increases across the Virgin Islands, with particularly heavy traffic reported around Virgin Gorda (North & South), Norman Island, Cooper Island, Jost Van Dyke and other popular moorings and anchorages (BVI Government).
MSIRA warned that charter vessels, private boats, dinghies, resort tenders, swimmers and water-sports users are sharing the same waters, creating congested conditions that require heightened vigilance. Local media outlet BVI Platinum has echoed the appeal, reporting the surge in activity in North Sound and noting that comments functionality will be added to its online story soon (BVI Platinum). "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," said Mr.
Jerome Padmore, Chief Marine Accident Investigator at MSIRA (BVI Government). Padmore referenced a fatal collision in North Sound in 2024 involving a dinghy and a yacht tender as a stark reminder that even short or familiar trips can end in tragedy when safety is overlooked (BVI Government).
Recent reports to MSIRA have raised concerns about vessels operating at excessive speeds in confined areas, transiting mooring fields too quickly, and anchoring where they block safe passage. MSIRA reminded mariners that compliance with the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping Act 2001 and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is not optional.
The Authority highlighted key safety practices for everyone on the water: - Operate at safe and controlled speeds; observe 5 knots within channels and mooring fields, which are designated no-wake zones. - Display proper navigation and masthead lighting at night in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act and COLREGs. - Avoid high-speed transits through channels and mooring fields and take early action to avoid danger. - Remain vigilant for swimmers, paddlers, low-profile craft and resort tenders, especially after dark when visibility is reduced.
MSIRA also stressed that, under the Merchant Shipping Act 2001, all marine accidents and incidents must be reported to the Authority. Timely reporting is crucial to identifying safety trends and preventing future harm. MSIRA’s investigations follow the Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations, 2020 and the IMO Casualty Investigation Code; their stated purpose is to improve safety through fact-based findings and recommendations, not to apportion blame or establish liability (BVI Government).
As tourism and local marine recreation continue to recover and expand, MSIRA is urging commercial operators, charter companies and recreational boaters alike to slow down, keep a proper lookout, and look out for one another so the Territory’s waters remain safe and enjoyable for residents and visitors.
Media outlets covering the advisory have reinforced the message; readers are reminded to follow official guidance from MSIRA and report any accidents or unsafe behavior to the Authority promptly (BVI Government; BVI Platinum).
Primary source: BVI Government