The business of new ship buying and registration is expected to increase next year following the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry’s representation at the 59^th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) Captain Raman Bala and Acting Registrar Mr. Ronald Donovan represented the shipping registry at the five-day event in Fort Lauderdale Florida, from October 31 through November 4 in an effort to help generate further exposure for the Territory’s maritime and yachting industry.  

Captain Raman Bala said as part of their engagement, the team networked with customers and met with numerous clients who regularly work with the registry. He said the event served as a good representation for the BVI’s Marine Tourism industry.

Captain Bala said, “There were a lot of visitors to our booth. The questions for the VISR related mainly to fees, time taken to register the vessels, documentation, eligibility and survey requirements. There were many enquiries about setting up a company, the costs and the documentation.”

BVI Finance and BVI Tourist Board were also represented at the boat show.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show exhibits a vast array of the industry’s latest boats and yachts of all sizes, worldwide debuts, plus a medley of marine products and accessories to enhance the nautical lifestyle. A wide variety of boats were on display including runabouts, sport-fishers, high performance boats, centre consoles, canoes, and extraordinary super yachts.          

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry seeks to ensure that Virgin Islands ships can safely, securely and efficiently enjoy the freedom of the seas and the Department also supports an effective and vigorous Maritime Administration.

Notes:

1. View of the booth at the 59^th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Pictured are Acting Registrar of VISR, Mr. Ronald Donovan; Assistant Marketing Manager of BVI Finance, Ms. Binta Jallow; and Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Captain Raman Bala (Photo credit: Provided)
2. Acting Registrar of VISR, Mr. Ronald Donovan; Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Captain Raman Bala; Mr. Albert Snoei of Svitzer Americas; and Partner in the Private Client Department at Harney’s, Mr. Johann Henry at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. (Photo credit: Provided)
3. Representatives at the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry display booth interacting with customers and clients at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (Photo credit: Provided)
4. Acting Registrar of VISR, Mr. Ronald Donovan and Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Captain Raman Bala with the representative of Saxton Documentation, Ms. Janet Saxton. (Photo credit: Provided)