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Yacht Certification
In February 2004 the BVI passed the THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY OF SMALL COMMERCIAL SAILING AND MOTOR VESSELS) REGULATIONS. Any vessel chartering in BVI waters, whether the yacht is BVI based or foreign-based, is expected to be compliant with the MCA Blue or Yellow Code, or the MGN280 which supersedes the former. The codes are concerned with the construction of a vessel, its machinery, equipment and stability, and the correct and safe operation of the vessel.
The “Blue Code” relates to passenger (non-cargo) sailing yachts less than 24 metres long and carrying 12 or less passengers.
The “Yellow Code” relates to passenger (non-cargo) power yachts less than 24 metres long carrying 12 or less passengers. The SCV (Small Commercial Vessels) Code for the Caribbean relates to commercial vessels which are cargo, and passenger vessels of less than 24 metres, carrying no more than 150 passengers.
The MGN280 can be found here whilst the Blue and Yellow Codes can be downloaded from this site.
If you are having your yacht surveyed and certified prior to arriving in the BVI, it is wise to check the following list of approved surveying authorities.
Additional documents required include:
Licenses are obtained through Telecommunications Regulatory Commission located in Road Town.
