Carribean working visa

[AJAL]

I would value some advice on working as a skipper in the Carribean.

My son is currently working in the Med for a charter company. He is looking to move over the pond for the winter season. He holds RYA yacht master offshore and all the needed commercial certifications.

As an EU citizen, he should not have an issue with BVI, French islands (?) What about the American ones?

Any guidance or clues will be much appreciated [emoji1317][emoji1317][emoji1317]

[markcouz]

My daughter Jayde is involved with crewing of charter yachts in the BVI/USVI, she has written a very detailed article on the requirements which can be viewed here;

https://www.cruisersacademy.com/post...EQqt0rHPT2VFfY

[AJAL]

Originally Posted by markcouz

My daughter Jayde is involved with crewing of charter yachts in the BVI/USVI, she has written a very detailed article on the requirements which can be viewed here;

https://www.cruisersacademy.com/post...EQqt0rHPT2VFfY

Many thanks

[Anders]

Originally Posted by AJAL

As an EU citizen, he should not have an issue with BVI, French islands (?) What about the American ones?

I believe that even a British citizen needs a work permit for BVI and a EU citizenship means nothing. I don't know about the French or Dutch Islands but I would be surprised if a EU citizen would not need a work permit. Enforcement can of course vary

[AJAL]

Thanks Anders. Agree on enforcement [emoji3]

[Zanshin]

Enforcement can be swift - all it takes is one disgruntled local tipping off authorities and they are very fast to arrive.

There are some strange rules, for instance in Dutch Sint Maarten Europeans need a work permit, but U.S. citizens can work without one (lookup DAFT). On the French side the E.U. rules apply.

Don't dream of trying to circumvent employment rules in the BVI; you'll get caught quickly and they will fine you until your accounts are empty. Even British need residency and work permits in the BVI! While most belongers won't work and almost every service-type job is performed by foreigners, they are strictly regulated.

With STCW and commercial endorsements, someone can find a job on a yacht in the Caribbean and the Captain/Owner/Agent will know what paperwork is necessary. But doing crewed charter for Sunail/Moorings/Dream will require local work permits, and there is no shortage of licensed skippers in that part of the market.

[AJAL]

Thanks Zanshin, my son would never work absent correct paperwork. He has all the commercial certificates, so I guess it would be down to a CV and finding the right boat which can care/assist with the working visa.