NEVIS - New Yacht Mooring System

When we were attending the Charter Yacht Show in Antigua a few weeks ago, we were visiting a charteryacht and when we came back out into the cockpit to inspect the exterior of the vessel, there was this horrible little man monopolizing three of the yacht's (female) crew members showing them a promotional DVD about Nevis and spouting off about something... It was so loud we couldn't talk to the captain and the captain requested the man to leave as he was disruptive and annoying.

I managed to snag a Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) Yacht Mooring System pamphlet from him. As you can tell, we did not hit it off. He was very rude and had a superior attitude... like I was "just a woman"...

Anyway, that's enough of that rant... now let's look at their new mooring policy...

NASPA Moorings are found along the West Cost of Nevis from Windy Hill to Charlestown.

Conditions of Mooring Use and Regulations:

1. All vessels must comply with the Immigration Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) and Customs laws of St. Kitts and Nevis.
2. All vessels approaching Nevis are required to contact the Nevis Air and Sea Ports authority (NASPA) on VHF Channel 16 in order to be assigned a mooring within the first 24 hours upon arrival.
3. Vessels qualifying for mooring use must proceed to specifically-designated mooring after clearance.
4. Coastal mooring permits must be obtained prior to proceeding coastwise.
5. No vessel may use the moorings at any time unless authorized by the NASPA.
6. No anchoring of any vessel is permited without the authorization of NASPA.
7. The discharging of any bilge or sewage or the dumping of any form of litter or pollutant into the water is strictly prohibited.
8. All moorings may be used for short or long-term use.
9. Spear fishing is strictly prohibited. Harvesting of immature conch or lobster or an endangered marine species is strictly prohibited.
10. No flora, fauna or artefact may be damaged or removed during mooring, snorkeling or any other activity.
11. Water skiing may not originate from any moored vessel without permission from NASPA.
12. Jet-skis or other water sports vehicles must be registered with NASPA before use.

Mooring rates for 2008-2010:

- Class 1 : 0-35 feet
Up to 2 days: EC$ 27 / US$ 10
2 days to 1 week: EC$ 40 / US$ 15

- Class 2 : 36-60 feet
Up to 2 days: EC$ 40 / US$ 15
2 days to 1 week: EC$ 54 / US$ 20

- Class 3 : 61-90 feet
Up to 2 days: EC$ 54 / US$ 20
2 days to 1 week: EC$ 67 / US$ 25

Here's some other info from this pamphlet:

It's the Law

• Animals are not permitted to come ashore unless cleared by the Veterinary Officer.
• Do not bring ashore any fruits, plants or plant parts without the permission of the Department of Agriculture.
• Do not dump refuse in our waters or along our coastline.
• Do not take any coral, sponge, marine algae or starfish from the waters or beaches.
• Do not damage coral reefs by anchoring. Use the moorings provided by Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority.
• Do not remove, damage, empty or cast adrift any fishing net, fish pot/trap, gear, tackle or other fishing equipment while in the waters of Nevis.
• Do not use spear guns for fishing in the waters of Nevis.
• Do not dive without a locally-licensed Dive Operator.
• Special permission is needed to pass through Fishing Priority areas or Marine Preserves when entering or leaving port.
• Do not anchor in any designated "safe swimming zone."
• Do not exceed a speed of 2 knots when operating tenders or other water crafts in the swimming zon right-of-way to the beach. All operators are requested to keep a sharp look out at all times when making way through this passage.

Another place off our list!

So it goes...