The British Virgin Islands comprise over 40 islands, islets and cays with a total land area of only 153 sq km scattered over some 3,445 sq km of sea. Sixteen of the islands are inhabited, the largest being Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke.

Discovered by Columbus in 1493, the islands came into British possession in 1666 when planters took control from the original Dutch settlers, and have been a British colony since 1672.

The British Virgin Islands are members of the British Red Ensign Group and operate as a Category One Red Ensign (British) Registry and is able to register all types of yachts, including mega yachts and super yachts up to 3000 gross tons (GT) and general cargo ships of unlimited tonnage.

For further details contact www.vishipping.gov.vg or

Virgin Islands Shipping Registry of Shipping
Sebastian's Building, PO Box 4751
Administration Drive
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
VG1110

Tel: +1 284 468 2902/2903
Fax: +1 284 468 2913
E-mail: bsallah@gov.vg

Duty Officer (24 hours): +1 284 468 9646