Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority

03/09/2026

Charter companies, vessel owners, operators, masters and other responsible persons are reminded of their obligation to promptly report marine accidents and incidents in accordance with The Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigations) Regulations, 2020.

Timely reporting enables the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) to promptly assess occurrences, determine whether further investigation is required and preserve and gather relevant evidence.

Prompt reporting supports safer operations at sea and a stronger maritime safety culture throughout The Virgin Islands.

19/08/2026

11/08/2026

⚠️ GROUNDINGS ARE NOT ROUTINE

MSIRA has published its safety investigation report into the grounding of the sailing vessel Nohea Holokai near Anegada on 6 July 2025.

After entering a coral-head field outside the Anegada Channel, the vessel struck a submerged rock or coral head, puncturing its starboard hull and causing rapid flooding. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

Groundings can endanger lives, cause major vessel damage and harm coral reefs and marine habitats that may take years to recover.

This incident reinforces the importance of effective lookouts, continuous positional awareness, proper passage monitoring and experienced supervision.

Read the full report:https://gov.vg/sites/default/files/2026-08/msira_%2302_of_2026_sv_nohea_holokai.pdf

Navigate safely. Know your position. Protect our waters.

23/06/2026

Every marine safety accident investigation is an opportunity to learn and improve. By reporting accidents and incidents, we help identify risks, strengthen safety practices, and prevent future occurrences. A strong reporting culture makes our maritime community safer for everyone.

16/06/2026

"Safety must never be an afterthought; it must be a priority before every voyage, every task, and every decision."

15/06/2026

"Safe speed is not how fast your vessel can go; it is how fast you can safely react, avoid a collision, and stop when circumstances demand it."

Let's slow down, especially when navigating through harbours, marinas, ports, and mooring fields, or when prevailing conditions such as darkness, fog, rain, or heavy traffic reduce visibility and increase risk.

Safety at sea relies on good seamanship and responsible decision-making, not enforcement alone. Operating at a safe speed gives mariners more time to identify hazards, avoid collisions, protect the marine environment, and ensure the safety of everyone sharing our waters.

Think about the family enjoying a day on the water, the child learning to sail, the diver beneath the surface, or the crew member working on a vessel nearby. A few moments saved by speeding are never worth the risk to someone else's life, livelihood, or safety.

Safe speed demonstrates respect for fellow mariners, protects our marine environment, and helps ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day. Let's look out for one another and remember to slow down.

The MSIRA remains committed to promoting a strong culture of maritime safety and encourages all vessel operators to adhere to established safety best practices while at sea.

02/06/2026

The MSIRA continues to work towards uniting stakeholders and Government agencies to improve maritime safety across The Virgin Islands.

Among many other priorities, the Chief Marine Accident Investigator, Mr. Jerome Padmore, emphasised the need to improve bareboat operator competence through education and training in an effort to reduce groundings, prevent accidents, safeguard lives, and enhance environmental stewardship in The Virgin Islands.

https://gov.vg/news/maritime-stakeholders-collaborate-strengthen-safety-and-environmental-protection

15/05/2026

⚠️ Let’s not forget the basics when it comes to safety at sea.

Before leaving the dock, make sure life jackets are worn and your killcord is attached. These simple safety measures should be the first things you equip yourself and your passengers with once onboard.

A killcord can instantly shut down the engine if the operator is thrown overboard, helping to prevent runaway vessels and serious injury. It’s a small clip that can make a lifesaving difference.

🚤 Life jackets only work if you’re wearing them.
🔴 Killcords only work if they’re attached.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay safe at sea.

03/05/2026

Here is a short but very informative video explaining the difference between automatic inflatable and manual inflatable life jackets.

An automatic inflatable life jacket activates as soon as it hits the water, ideal for unexpected falls or if you’re unable to respond.

A manual inflatable life jacket requires you to pull a cord to inflate, giving you control, but it depends on you being alert and able to act.

Both are lightweight and comfortable, but they must be properly maintained and worn at all times to be effective.

Remember! Life jackets only work if you’re wearing them 🙂