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VI shipping registry deploying new danger markers for maritime safety

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry will be deploying two isolated danger markers at Blonde Rock and Tow Rock, to promote overall maritime safety in these high-risk areas in VI waters. Photo: VI Shipping Registry
Director of the Shipping Registry Mr. John M. Samuel said the registry plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continued safety, sustainability, and efficiency of maritime activities in the Territory’s waters. Photo: GIS/File
Director of the Shipping Registry Mr. John M. Samuel said the registry plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continued safety, sustainability, and efficiency of maritime activities in the Territory’s waters. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry will be deploying two isolated danger markers at Blonde Rock and Tow Rock, to promote overall maritime safety in these high-risk areas in VI waters.

Director of the Shipping Registry Mr. John M. Samuel said the registry plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continued safety, sustainability, and efficiency of maritime activities in the Territory’s waters. 

Mr. Samuel added, “The placement of these two isolated danger buoys is evidence of our commitment to navigational safety and pollution prevention within the waters of the Virgin Islands.”

He added, “These buoys will not only guide vessels safely through our waters but also safeguard our marine ecosystems from potential harm. Together, these efforts underscore the importance of the Virgin Islands as a flag of choice for responsible shipping operations, and the waters of this Territory as safe cruising grounds for all types of vessels.”

Mr Samuels further added that Nash Maritime conducted a navigational risk assessment in 2022, which identified the two areas within high-traffic zones where isolated shallow areas exist.

The installation of the buoys requires a collaborative effort between the marine surveillance team that is tasked with assembling the isolated danger buoys, while divers will be engaged to install the anchoring components of the project.

The identification of the rocks and the strategic positioning of the buoys will aid in circumventing potential hazards to vessels as they enter the designated shipping channels.

4 Responses to “VI shipping registry deploying new danger markers for maritime safety”

  • lost (17/03/2024, 03:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What /where is the general areas these bouts have been placed??

    What are the coordinates of each ?

    • @Lost (17/03/2024, 07:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      As the article reads, it’s says that VISR will be deploying, so no coordinates are available. Blond rock and Tow rock are the two areas where large ships enter our territory.

      One is located near salt island and the other is near the Dogs

  • hazard (17/03/2024, 09:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The rocks off Beef island beach desperately needs one as well. I witnessed two sailboats hit the rocks last year alone
  • Be carful (17/03/2024, 10:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Blonde Rock and Tow Rock are incredible coral formations which divers visits frequently. As per a lot of Government operations which can do damage, please make sure the markers are place off the coral as not to be destructive to the delicate coral which attracts a huge variety of fish. If you need assistance in where to place them so damage to the coral is not done, contact one of the dive shops, I am sure they will be more than willing to help.


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