Permit· Montserrat· Leeward Islands
Montserrat Maritime Exclusion Zone
16° 42.4′ N · 62° 14.3′ W · approximate
The volcanic exclusion waters that wrap the southern two-thirds of Montserrat around the Soufriere Hills volcano and buried Plymouth; you can sail past by day on the west side but never stop.
Practical
Coordinate is a marker derived about 1.5 km west of the Plymouth shore (Plymouth per Wikipedia 16.7064, -62.2158; Plymouth pier per OSM -62.2220), inside the western maritime zone - not a boundary point. MVO (statement current October 2026): Hazard Level 1, no public access to Zone V including Plymouth, and Maritime Zones E and W are daytime transit only between sunrise and sunset - boats may pass through but must not stop or anchor. Tourism Authority (2026) gives the extent as 2 km offshore between Sturge Point and O'Garra's, 4 km offshore between Roache's Yard and Spanish Point, and 2 km offshore from Spanish Point to Pelican Ghaut. Noonsite describes the zone running from Trants Bay on the east coast round the south to Barton Bay on the west, with considerable shoaling off Old Road Bay and Plymouth. Vessels need permission to enter the zones otherwise (UK FCDO); violators can be prosecuted. Maps with GPS coordinates of the maritime zones are available from the Port Authority at Little Bay and on the SailClear portal. Check mvo.ms for the current level before sailing; zones close entirely at higher hazard levels. RMPS Marine Unit / coastguard 999 or +1 664 491 2555 / 496 1047, VHF 16.
Best for
Know before you round the south end