Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument announce procedures for mariners wanting to register their vessels in Hurricane Hole for the 2024 hurricane season.
Vessel owners who were permitted in 2023 to use a storm mooring in Hurricane Hole and wish to retain their storm mooring berth for the 2024 season must complete an application to renew their berth. Applications may be picked up at the National Park Service Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, St. John or emailed upon request.
A new application form will be used this year, but administrative and use fees are once again being waived.
Contact Esther Francis at VIIS_Storm_Permits@nps.gov or 201-4521 with any questions regarding the application process or to request an application. Please send completed applications via e-mail to VIIS_Storm_Permits@nps.gov, U.S. Mail or delivered in person at the park Visitor Center between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications to renew a berth must be received at the park by May 9, 2024. Applications may be mailed to: Virgin Islands National Park, 1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John, VI 00830 (attention: Storm Permits).
The National Park Service will issue a new permit for the same berth upon receipt of the completed application and verification of the 2023 berth assignment.
A virtual drawing will be held for all open berths on May 11, beginning at 9 a.m. Completed applications must be provided to the National Park Service by May 9. Applicants are advised to stand by to receive a phone call during the virtual drawing.
Any vessel owner who was issued a temporary permit last year and wishes to retain the berth this year must notify the NPS. If the original permit holder does not renew the permit, the temporary permit holder may renew the berth after the May 9th deadline. If the original permit-holder renews their permit, the temporary permit-holder may participate in the May 11th drawing to compete for open berths.
If a vessel was sold or transferred during the past year, the new vessel owner must renew the storm berth from the previous year to retain the berth.
Contact Esther Francis at 201-4521 if there are any questions. (www.nps.gov)
