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DPNR ISSUES HURRICANE PREPARATION GUIDANCE FOR BOATERS

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Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is urging boaters to take the necessary precautions and begin storm preparations ahead of the approach of Tropical Storm Dolly.

Boaters are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect their vessels and should consider relocating to designated safe havens. DPNR recommends the use of three-point mooring systems as outlined in the “Survive a Hurricane” booklet available through the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).

Designated Safe Havens

St. Thomas/St. John District

  • Benner Bay
  • Mandahl Pond
  • Flamingo Bay

Note: Hurricane Hole falls under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS). Boaters seeking to utilize this area must coordinate directly with the NPS on St. John for assigned mooring locations.

St. Croix District

  • Salt River

Safe Haven Procedures

  1. Entry into designated safe havens will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Enforcement officers will be available to assist with vessel placement and to help maintain orderly access.
  2. Boaters may return to their regular moorings once DPNR issues a notice indicating that conditions have normalized. The following provisions apply:
    • Hurricane anchors may remain in place throughout the hurricane season.
    • Any vessel owner leaving anchors in a safe haven must attach a mooring buoy displaying the vessel’s registration number.
    • During subsequent storms, vessel owners may return to the location identified by their marked mooring buoy.
    • Vessels may not anchor in or obstruct navigational channels in Benner Bay or Salt River.
    • No vessels are permitted in Krause Lagoon or its channel on St. Croix, which is designated as a Homeland Security Zone.
  3. Boaters are strongly advised not to remain aboard their vessels during a storm. Land-based emergency shelters are available through VITEMA.
  4. At the conclusion of the hurricane season, all hurricane anchors, mooring equipment, and related gear must be removed from designated safe havens.
  5. Vessels may only be secured to trees when absolutely necessary and with proper chafing protection on all lines. All lines attached to trees must be removed immediately after the storm.
  6. Information and updates for boaters will be communicated through official DPNR press releases and marine radio Channel 16.
  7. Following a storm, owners of vessels that have sunk, grounded, or washed ashore must notify DPNR and provide the vessel’s location, including GPS coordinates, along with an estimated salvage timetable. Vessel owners are responsible for the removal and recovery of their vessels.

DPNR will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Dolly and encourages all residents to stay informed through official government advisories and emergency management updates.