BVI Maritime Law Reforms Enhance Safety and International Compliance

The government of the British Virgin Islands is making changes to its maritime laws through the Maritime Law Review Project to enhance safety, protect the marine environment, and increase enforcement powers. Premier and Minister responsible for Maritime Administration and Shipping, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, emphasized the importance of these changes in maintaining the territory’s international reputation in the maritime sector. The Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the House of Assembly to align the Virgin Islands with international conventions under the International Maritime Organization’s Instruments Implementation Code.

The proposed changes in the bill focus on four key areas. Firstly, they aim to close legislative gaps identified in the III Code audit by updating how international conventions are adopted into national law. Secondly, the bill enhances enforcement powers by giving the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force jurisdiction to investigate offenses under the Act. Thirdly, the reform expands eligibility for ship registration to individuals and companies from Commonwealth countries. Finally, the bill eliminates the requirement to consult the UK Secretary of State before enacting local maritime regulations to expedite the legislative process.

In addition to the bill, the government plans to publish adopted legislation and introduce new or amended regulations to give legal effect to several international conventions. These include the International Convention on Load Lines, the Tonnage Measurement Convention, the STCW Convention, MARPOL, and the COLREG Convention. Wheatley emphasized that strengthening the legal framework demonstrates the territory’s commitment to responsible flag state administration and enhances its reputation as a premier maritime jurisdiction.

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