Licensing/businesses in Caribbean

[KateReeves]

We are a British-registered business and are looking to sail our boat in the Caribbean with paying guests onboard.

Does anyone know how to go about being licensed/registered or any other rules and regs that would apply?

Many thanks

Kate

[Zanshin]

Each country has its own rules. The relevant laws apply to those countries where you intend on taking on or disembarking passengers. Some of the French islands are part of the EU so you won't have (too many) problems there. What countries are on your list?
Starting on the NW: USVI/USA - no go, see the Jones Act.
BVI - despite being a red-ensign flag state, requirements there can be difficult, but if you jump the licensing hurdles you can pick-up and discharge passengers there
St. Martin - French side is EU, Dutch side is possible to get a license.
Anguilla - Don't know
St. Barths - difficult, plus nobody flies there to start or end a charter
Antigua - another ex-British colony with strict rules

[KateReeves]

Thank you for that.

We currently operate in France and Italy and have had no problems there so French islands look good.

However, we were thinking of St Lucia or St Vincent to be able to cruise the Grenadines.

Any extra info would be great.

Thanks

Kate

[GRIT]

I'm quite sure the Jones act refers to charters starting AND ending in the USA, not starting OR ending in the USA. Meaning you may be able to pick up OR drop off passengers in the USA, but not both.
You may want to research that.

Paul.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by svquintana

I'm quite sure the Jones act refers to charters starting AND ending in the USA, not starting OR ending in the USA. Meaning you may be able to pick up OR drop off passengers in the USA, but not both.
You may want to research that.

Paul.

Under the Jones Act, foreign vessels may operate in USA waters providing their trip originates AND ends outside of USA waters. They may not take on or disembark passengers (who will stay in the USA and not return to the boat).

Some other countries also have similar laws. Belize for example.

[GRIT]

I stand corrected, thank you.
Knowledge is power.

Perhaps there's a waiver, for which you could apply? Carnival and other cruise lines obviously have something set up.

In any case, as Belize sailor stated, the USVI is not the only place for which the OP needs this information.

Carry on; I read with interest.

Cheers.
Paul.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by svquintana

...
Perhaps there's a waiver, for which you could apply? Carnival and other cruise lines obviously have something set up.....

Yes, there is an "MRAD waiver" for which a foreign built vessel can apply.

And, as others have stated, get the details for the specific venue you are considering because each will have its own quirks. Keep in mind too that the published law tends to differ from the de facto practice. So, find out from someone who has actually done business in the specific venue. Belize is a prime example -- the law has little to do with actual practice.

[denverd0n]

Not to pile on, but there are more than 30 separate, sovereign countries in the Caribbean. Each one has its own rules and regulations, and you're going to have to do the research for each one that you want to do business in. I don't believe there is any centralized location where you can get all of this information, all at once.

I have yet to find a country that doesn't have a website nowadays, with exactly the sort of information you need. Google is your friend. Good luck.