New compliance and safety measures are coming to water taxi and pleasure craft operations in St. John’s as the Port Authority enforces stricter standards across the harbour.

Port Manager Darwin Telemaque tells Antigua.news all operators must now be fully licensed, vessels properly registered, and safety provisions—such as life jackets and passenger limits—strictly upheld.

“Ships are not comfortable with watching a small vessel approaching them. They don’t know why they are coming…”, Telemaque said.

Antigua Port Authority CEO Darwin Telemaque

Meanwhile, Marine Manager James Lee has been tasked with overseeing the transition and ensuring that operators comply with the newly reinforced regulations.

The Montserrat Ferry Terminal, which has been used as a temporary relocation point, is being evaluated as a permanent water taxi hub, having proven effective for pickups and drop-offs outside congested cruise zones.

Authorities say these initiatives will streamline vessel movement, enhance tourist safety, and establish a more organized and compliant marine environment.

The Port Authority is asking operators to cooperate fully as monitoring continues and warns that permits from other agencies will no longer grant access to operate within the quay’s jurisdiction.

Officials believe these changes will ultimately create a safer, more efficient harbour experience for passengers, operators, and cruise stakeholders alike.