BVI Marine Guide:Communications

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE BVI MARINE GUIDE

Radio Communications

When using VHF radios, use Channel 16 as the calling channel to initiate communications.

Channel 16 Emergency Channel
Channel 85 Virgin Islands Radio (working frequency)
Channel 67 Virgin Islands Search & Rescue (working frequency)

Boats with INMARSAT receivers and IBM compatible computers can access 24-hour coverage by contacting Ocean Satellite.

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Emergency Numbers

Off Shore

Virgin Islands Search & Rescue (VISAR) Phone 767 or 499-0911 (if outside the BVI, put 284 before 499)
If you have a foreign cell phone that has not worked in the BVI, it will work if you dial 767 or 911.
Ask for Fire & Rescue and tell them you need VISARís assistance.

On Shore

Police 999 or 911 Fire or Ambulance 999
Emergency Operations Centre 494-4499

DIVING EMERGENCIES

Call on VHF Ch 16 - ìNearest dive boat, we have a diving accidentî. State location, boat name and problem. If no immediate response,
Call VISAR on VHF Ch 16.
If Boatphone available, dial 999, 911 or VISAR at 767.

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Telephone Communications

CABLE AND WIRELESS

Domestic and international services in the BVI are provided by Cable & Wireless. An advanced local infrastructure is based on a 100% Digital Switching Network which enables International Direct Dialling, ISDN capability and a variety of multimedia services are available.

The area code for the BVI is 284. Within the BVI, you have to dial seven digits. The area code for the US Virgin Islands is 340 and for Puerto Rico the code is 787. USA direct dial toll free service is also available. When dialing an 800 number, drop the (1) and simply dial 800 followed by the number (800 numbers are charged at normal overseas rates.)

Cable & Wireless Service Numbers

Operator Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Credit Card Services . . . . . .1 800 744 7722
Intíl Directory Enquiries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Local Directory Enquiries . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Internet Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247

International Calls

Country Access Codes
USVI, USA, Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
1-800 numbers* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800
UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 011 44
Other countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .011

Phonecard Services

There are numerous phone card phones located in convenient locations through-out the BVI. Credit card calls may also be made from these public phones. Phonecards are available at the Cable & Wireless Public Sales Offices at Road Town, Tortola, and the Valley, Virgin Gorda. Many businesses throughout the islands sell these cards. Cards are sold in $10 and $20 denominations.

Internet Service

Internet access via a locally managed Network Node, provides services ranging from 33.6kbps dial-up to 128 bps dedicated connections. Other services, such as Web Page Hosting and ISDN Internet Access are also available. Contact Cable & Wirelessí Business Services Department for full details ñ in the islands, dial 333 (this is a freephone service).

For further information, contact Cable & Wirelessí Customer Services Department at (284) 494-4444 or fax (284) 496-2506.A detailed product and service line can also be found at the Cable & Wireless web-site:www.candw.vg

CELLULAR SERVICE

CCT Global Communications is the leader in wireless communications in the BVI. They offer the only 3G wireless broadband internet service throughout the islands and they are the only telcommunications provider to offer GSM and CDMA roaming services, with over 140 roaming partners worldwide. The CCT head office is in Road Town where you can setup a wireless broadband account or pick up one of the latest cellphones or smartphones. CCT SIM cards are available from authorized resellers throughout the BVI and credit can be purchased for phones at over 100 TopUp locations or online at TOPUP.VG. For more information on this service, visit www.bvicellular.com

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