In the British Virgin Islands, call VISAR (volunteer) on +1 284 499 0911. Local short number: 767 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November, though hurricanes can occur at any time of year.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · NOAA National Hurricane Center ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November but hurricanes can occur any time of the year.”
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Charter boats cruising BVI waters pay a cruising-permit fee per person per day to HM Customs. Under the 2017 amendment, the rate was US$6 for home-based and US$16 for foreign-based charter boats. Check current rates with Customs.
Government of the Virgin Islands ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14, archived): “Effective August 1, home and foreign based charters will see an increase in cruising permit fees to $6 and $16 per person per day respectively.”
Official warnings
Fishing is banned in the Marine Parks. Fishing with spearguns or scuba gear is illegal anywhere in the BVI, and any fishing needs a licence from a registered boat.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Fishing is strictly prohibited within the Marine Parks. It is illegal to use spearguns, scuba diving equipment, explosives, poison or any other noxious substances for fishing in the BVI.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Commercial, sport and pleasure fishing require a fishing licence and the boat you are fishing from must be registered.”
Arriving by boat
Clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration as soon as you arrive. Sea ports of entry are Road Town and West End (Tortola), Great Harbour (Jost Van Dyke) and St. Thomas Bay (Virgin Gorda). Private cruisers can file through SailClear 72 hours before arrival, then call the port office on VHF 16.
bvitourism.com (2026-10-14): “All entering vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival into the territory, and retain a valid passport and boat registration papers.”
bvitourism.com (2026-10-14): “Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke | Hours; 8:30am to 4:30pm (daily) St. Thomas Bay, Virgin Gorda | Hours; 8:30am to 4:30pm (daily)”
bvitourism.com (2026-10-14): “West End, Tortola | Hours; 8:30am to 4:30pm (Monday to Thursday)”
bvitourism.com (2026-10-14): “Complete online Immigration & Customs form (72 hours prior to arrival)”
bvitourism.com (2026-10-14): “Switch to Channel 16 to call the port of entry’s office to obtain entry permit.”
What number do I call for help at sea in the British Virgin Islands?+
In the British Virgin Islands, call VISAR (volunteer) on +1 284 499 0911. Local short number: 767 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in the British Virgin Islands?+
The general emergency number in the British Virgin Islands is 911. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for the British Virgin Islands. In a sea emergency, call +1 284 499 0911.
Why a full number and not the short code 767?+
Short codes like 767 are routed by local phone networks and may not connect from a foreign SIM card while roaming. The full number +1 284 499 0911 reaches the same service from any phone.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in the British Virgin Islands?+
Hurricane season: 1 June – 30 November, though hurricanes can occur at any time of year.
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