Virgin Islands Division of Environmental Enforcement -DPNR

In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, observed from May 17–23, 2025, and in alignment with the proclamation issued by Governor Bryan, the Division of Environmental Enforcement under DPNR proudly supported this important safety initiative. National Safe Boating Week serves as the annual kick-off to the Safe Boating Campaign—a global effort to raise awareness and promote responsible boating practices.

To celebrate Boating Safety Week, the Division of Environmental Enforcement partnered with the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas to host free boating inspections for the public. This collaborative effort not only promoted safe boating but also provided an opportunity to highlight the ongoing development of the Territorial Park system—an initiative aimed at preserving and showcasing the natural and cultural resources of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Each participating boater received a complimentary inspection, a token of appreciation, and a vital reminder to "WEAR IT!"—emphasizing the life-saving importance of wearing a life jacket.

Boaters are encouraged to brush up on safety skills, practice responsible boating, and take part in exploring and supporting the growing network of Territorial Parks across the territory.

Clarification on ECOSL Requirements and State Law Exemption for PWC

ATTENTION:

Due to the approaching Tropical Storm Ernesto and out of an abundance of caution all public schools across the Virgin Islands will be closed today.

Please stay safe and follow local updates closely. We prioritize the safety of our students and community.

CLOSURE ALERT!

Christiansted National Historic Site officials will close all National Park Units on the island of St. Croix, which includes Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve to all public use due to the approach of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The parks and associated facilities will close, and concession operations will cease until further notice.

Visitors currently in these parks are being instructed to leave and urged to immediately find a safe location to ride out the storm. Tourists are urged to contact lodging or airline professionals to seek guidance.

When announcing this closure, Superintendent Angelita Alvino said, "with Tropical Storm Ernesto taking aim at the island of St Croix, we must begin safeguarding human life and park assets now. The safety of our guests, staff and neighbors is my top priority and closing the parks is the first step to ensuring that as we implement our storm plans," Alvino said.

The National Parks of St Croix will remain closed until the storm passes and staff have an opportunity to assess impacts, mitigate hazards resulting from the storm, and safely support the return of staff and guests.

...AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS INVESTIGATING THE SYSTEM...
..TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS AND HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED IN PORTIONS OF
THE LEEWARD ISLANDS LATE TONIGHT OR EARLY TUESDAY...

Key Messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone Five
August 12, 2024 11:00 AM EDT

1. The disturbance is expected to become a tropical storm as it reaches the Leeward Islands. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for most of these islands, where tropical storm conditions are expected to begin late tonight.

2. Heavy rainfall may result in locally considerable flash flooding and mudslides in areas of the Leeward and Virgin Islands by later today into Wednesday, and over Puerto Rico late Tuesday into Thursday.

3. A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where tropical storm conditions are expected to begin Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

En Español: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at5+shtml/175046.shtml?spanish_key_messages
Latest updates, visit: hurricanes.gov/

!ATTENTION!:
Sand and empty sandbags will be available tomorrow between the hours of 10 AM-3 PM. The five Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services locations listed below are SELF SERVE, you have to fill the bags on your own. It is encouraged to bring your own shovel and or funnel to make the process easier. As we are all preparing for the upcoming weather let us all remember to Be Prepared, Stay Informed and Be Vigilant.

Special Marine Warning including the Caribbean Waters of Puerto Rico from 10 NM to 17N and including the Coastal Waters of Saint Croix until 11:15 AM

ST. CROIX
A special weather statement has been issued for Christiansted VI and Frederiksted VI until 11:30 AM

Marine Warning
Issued: 2024-05-08 06:38:00 AST|Expiring: 2024-05-08 07:30:00 AST
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN JUAN HAS ISSUED A
* SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR...
COASTAL WATERS EAST OF PUERTO RICO, AROUND VIEQUES, AND AROUND AND
JUST NORTH OF CULEBRA AND SAINT JOHN...
COASTAL WATERS FROM CABO SAN JUAN TO THE WATERS BETWEEN ANEGADA
ISLAND AND VIRGIN GORDA AND NORTH 10 NM...
* UNTIL 730 AM AST.
* AT 637 AM AST, A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
WATERSPOUTS WAS LOCATED OVER JUST SOUTHWESTERN ST. THOMAS. THE
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS NEARLY STATIONARY.
HAZARD...WATERSPOUTS AND WIND GUSTS 34 KNOTS OR GREATER.
SOURCE...RADAR.
IMPACT...WATERSPOUTS CAN EASILY OVERTURN BOATS AND CREATE LOCALLY
HAZARDOUS SEAS. SMALL CRAFT COULD BE DAMAGED IN BRIEFLY
HIGHER WINDS AND SUDDENLY HIGHER WAVES.
* THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WILL REMAIN OVER MAINLY OPEN WATERS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
MOVE TO SAFE HARBOR IMMEDIATELY AS GUSTY WINDS AND HIGH WAVES ARE
EXPECTED.
THUNDERSTORMS CAN PRODUCE SUDDEN WATERSPOUTS. WATERSPOUTS CAN EASILY
OVERTURN BOATS AND CREATE LOCALLY HAZARDOUS SEAS. SEEK SAFE HARBOR
IMMEDIATELY.
FREQUENT LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM. IF CAUGHT ON THE
OPEN WATER STAY BELOW DECK IF POSSIBLE, KEEP AWAY FROM UNGROUNDED
METAL OBJECTS

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Environmental Enforcement Officers made a significant splash during the St. Thomas Carnival boat races with the deployment of their new near shore response vessels, commonly known as Personal Watercrafts (PWCs).

The sleek and agile PWCs are specifically designed for patrols in harbors and beaches, providing officers with enhanced maneuverability and responsiveness to swiftly address any environmental concerns or safety issues that may arise. Furthermore, their versatility allows for potential deployment to offshore cays, extending the reach of enforcement efforts across the region's waters.

"Their addition to our enforcement fleet significantly enhances our ability to monitor and enforce regulations during events like the St. Thomas Carnival boat races, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants while safeguarding our marine environment," said Howard Forbes Sr. Director of the Virgin Islands Division of Environmental Enforcement -DPNR

The acquisition of the PWCs was made possible through the generous funding provided by the Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC). Their support has been instrumental in strengthening the DPNR's capacity to respond effectively to environmental incidents and enforce regulations on the waterways of the US Virgin Islands.