COVID-19 Information & Policy

in the British Virgin Islands

3rd September 2020

The situation in the BVI has changed somewhat this week. There has been an upsurge in active cases of COVID-19 likely caused by illegal immigrants being smuggled in from St Thomas. As a result, we are once again under a curfew from 1pm to 5am daily until at least September 16. Only essential businesses are permitted to operate between the hours of 5am and 1pm. Charter companies are not considered essential businesses, so we are limited to just checking and safeguarding our fleet.

Despite this the Government have entered phase 2 of the re-opening of the borders and in addition to BV Islanders, Belongers and Residents, Work Permit Holders and Work Permit Exemption Holders, Retirees in the BVI, BVI Vacation Home Owners and some other categories of people are now permitted to apply for re-entry into the island. The Government have still not announced any plan for the re-opening of the borders to tourists.

At this stage it looks unlikely that we will be able to re-open by October 1 and to be honest until the Government make an announcement, we really have no idea when we may be able to open.

Because of the uncertainty we are happy to reschedule or refund people who have charters booked in October that would prefer to do so. There will be no change or cancellation fees. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated as more information comes available. We will re-open as soon as we are permitted to do so and look forward to welcoming our loyal customers back to the BVI.

Our reservations office in Wisconsin remains open and Karen or Didi will be there Monday through Friday 8am to noon to handle calls and answer your questions.

See Government updates and information below.

BVI Government COVID-19 Updates & Information

Our COVID-19 Safety Measures

The health and well-being of our guests and team is paramount. We are taking necessary precautions to keep you, your family and friends safe so you can relax and enjoy your time on the water. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to the developing situation as necessary. Therefore, our policies may update accordingly in the future.

Our Team

Will be temperature-checked daily before the workday begins

Will be instructed to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines (2 meters / 6 feet apart)

Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary when dealing with our guests

Regular handwashing and adherence to TMM sanitation policies is required.

If a skipper has been assigned to your charter they will be instructed to adhere to social distancing while on charter and encouraged to wear PPE when this is not possible. We ask that you also do your utmost to maintain social distancing from our onboard crew

Our Facilities

Will be disinfected at the end of every work day

Office surfaces will be frequently disinfected thoughout the day

Appointments will be scheduled to complete necessary paperwork in the office to reduce the number of people congregating at reception.

Everyone on site is expected to follow social distancing guidelines (2 meters / 6 feet apart)

Masks are to be worn by everyone and will be provided if necessary

Our Yachts

We ask our guests to schedule appointments with the office to complete the necessary paperwork and office briefing

We will deal with one crew at a time to avoid cross-contamination.

All staff interacting with guests are required to wear PPE.

Masks (provided if necessary) should be worn by all guests where social distancing guidelines cannot be upheld during check-in or check-out.

Each yacht will be cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected via fogging between charters

Fresh linens will be provided and made up on the berths as usual prior to fogging of the yacht is commenced

Additions to the cleaning/care package will include; disinfectant spray, hand wipes and sanitization products as well as the usual cleaning products.

On Board Precautions

All yacht, chart and safety briefings will be carried out on board. PPE will be worn by the boat briefer and social distancing (6ft/2m) is to be conducted.

All charter skippers will be screened before boarding the yacht and instructed to adhere to social distancing while on charter and encouraged to wear PPE when this is not possible. We ask that you, our guests, also do your utmost to maintain social distancing from our onboard crew

All information is believed to be correct but not guaranteed.