Dinghy w/ small motor on STX

It is my understanding that your dinghy would need to be registered, which is very easy.

There is often law enforcement patrolling at Buck Island and they're always looking for something to enforce.

You can certainly take it there if the sea isn't too rough.

@vicanuck

I wish they would enforce idiots speeding through causing wakes getting too close too swimmers out at Buck . Oh how about overloaded (not charter) boats. Isn't there also a noise ordinance since it's a national park. I like to listen to my music thank you not competing stereo systems.

DPNR is out at Buck almost every time I go there!

I do agree 100% with your post though.

Some Sundays are crazy out there.

DPNR?  I doubt they have jurisdiction at Buck, would be NPS.

If I recall the rules a permit is needed from NPS for private boat visits.  Should limit the number of boats.  And only licenced concessionaires can take passengers as a charter.

I know folks that take their hobie kayak to Buck, a dingy is calm weather should be fine.

@Scubadoo

Over the years, I've seen DPNR at Buck dozens of times and have even been stopped by them. I've never once been bothered by NPS law enforcement. Likewise, I've both taken my own boat and been on many others but never knew a permit was required for private boats other than standard boat registration.

There are no charter concessions available. But, there are a few private catamaran and power boats that can be chartered for "friends and family" (wink, wink) day trips to Buck. I chartered one myself last weekend for a small group of friends. I think its pretty common knowledge within the enforcement community and is quietly allowed.

Sorry for STX people. Very few places to boat in STX comparing to STT/STJ/BVI. 
I have been to Buck island many times. It is such a great sail from STT and I often come just for the glorious passage.  

I overnight right there or move to Fredrick’s if conditions are rough. I always avoid weekends as it gets crowded and loud.  That ruins the experience for me completely.  I have never seen LEO of any type on Buck. I had no idea that permit is required for a private boat. If I recall the permit is required to navigate to south East between the island and a reef. 

I always understood it was regulated.

An anchoring permit is REQUIRED for all private vessels visiting Buck Island Reef National Monument, including day use of the West Beach anchoring area and moorings located inside the lagoon. No anchoring is permitted inside the lagoon. The island is closed from sunset to sunrise. Overnight use is allowed only with a special permit and is restricted to the West Beach anchoring area only.

Completed permit applications can be presented to the Visitor Contact booth at Ft. Christiansvaern or faxed to: (340) 719.1793, attention: Law Enforcement. Completed applications may also be scanned and emailed to e-mail us.

And the concession holders are listed:

https://www.nps.gov/buis/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm  

https://www.nps.gov/buis/planyourvisit/permits.htm

My guess it’s another law on the books in VI that nobody cares to enforce any laws. 
The park permit is strictly a money grab. I’m surprise VI gov doesn’t enforce it given their state of finances. 

Posted by: @STTsailor

My guess it’s another law on the books in VI that nobody cares to enforce any laws. 
The park permit is strictly a money grab. I’m surprise VI gov doesn’t enforce it given their state of finances. 

Buck Island is under Federal jurisdiction of the NPS.

DPNR only hang around there to enforce local boating laws I believe.

Posted by: @vicanuck

@Scubadoo

There are no charter concessions available. But, there are a few private catamaran and power boats that can be chartered for "friends and family" (wink, wink) day trips to Buck. I chartered one myself last weekend for a small group of friends. I think its pretty common knowledge within the enforcement community and is quietly allowed.

Guess I meant contracted concessionaires not licensed concessionaires.

Park permits issued by the National Park Service aren't generally considered a 'money grab'.

I am not familiar with the current Buck Island situation and just looked up the regulations after reading some of the personal use comments here to understand it.

I am very familiar with the NPS regulations in the STJ/STT sailing waters and their increasing enforcement and charges over the years. Operating here as a Captain since the late 70's I have seen tremendous change in the NPS regulations for boating in the Park waters.

As for the original question - yes the vessel will need a DPNR registration.

The East End Marine Park is managed by DPNR. It is the coastal waters from Green Cay Marina east and then south of the NPS's Buck Island National Monument.

Posted by: @STTsailor

Sorry for STX people. Very few places to boat in STX comparing to STT/STJ/BVI. 

No need to feel sorry for us... we live in the best of the Virgin Islands, hands down!  True, our sailing options aren't as good, but that's really the only negative.  Everything else blows STT away.  Trying to drive through Charlotte Amalie on a cruise ship day is all one needs to see to know I speak the truth. 🙂

If sailing and island hopping were my priority the STT would be a really good choice but the cruise ships and the higher numbers of flights make traffic a negative, at least to me.  I continue to be amazed at the range of things to do on STX.  I still feel STJ is the best choice for a 1 or 2 week vacation (done that several times), but too small and expensive for a permanent residency, IMHO.

Posted by: @NugBlazer

Posted by: @STTsailor

Sorry for STX people. Very few places to boat in STX comparing to STT/STJ/BVI. 

No need to feel sorry for us... we live in the best of the Virgin Islands, hands down!  True, our sailing options aren't as good, but that's really the only negative.  Everything else blows STT away.  Trying to drive through Charlotte Amalie on a cruise ship day is all one needs to see to know I speak the truth. 🙂

Just try to walk through Charlotte Amalie on cruise ship day.  Isn't that just about every day this time of year?

Traffic on STT has improved considerably comparing to two years ago. Cruise ship traffic is thinner and thinner every year contrary to gov propaganda but i have to admit that STX feels like wide open vistas comparing to STT. Sailing wise STT rocks.