The Customs Department announced this extension in an advisory on Monday, December 1, 2025.The boating and charter industry is advised that the new deadline for submissions and processing is December 15, 2025. Photo: Internet Source

An extension of 15 days has been granted for the processing of Commercial Recreational Vessel (CRVL) applications submitted before October 31, 2025. Photo:Government of Dominica

The Customs Department announced this extension in an advisory on Monday, December 1, 2025.

New deadline December 15th

The boating and charter industry is advised that the new deadline for submissions and processing is December 15, 2025. 

The Commercial Recreational Vessel license is required to operate a boat for hire in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Significant changes under CRVL

Under the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act (CRVL), which governs the boat and charter industry in the Virgin Islands, significant amendments took effect on June 1, 2025, impacting charter operations.

These changes include updated definitions and a clearer distinction between "home-based" and "foreign-based" vessels, which will alter how commercial charter vessels operate in the region.

The VI government implemented these changes to establish a new framework for commercial recreational vessels, including new definitions for key terms and clearer distinctions between home-based and foreign-based vessels.