People living in boats at the Dockyard Marina are not prepared to let go of a good thing.

Which is why those trying to move in are having a difficult time getting a space. Enquiries to Dockyard Marina manager Mark Osinga have increased lately, but no promises are made as to when a mooring might become available.

"In the last two years there has been a significant increase in the number of people asking to bring a boat into the marina to live on it," said Osinga.

"There has always been people who want to live on a boat because it is something they like to do, it's in their nature and they just have a love of being on the water. But over the last two years it's been not just those types of people but also people who are trying to escape the housing crisis.

The marina already has its full quota of `live-aboards' and those serious about securing a spot, and willing to be patient, are placed on a waiting list.

"I keep it at about ten or 12 boats as `live-aboards' and there has been a moratorium on more `live-aboards' for the last couple of years," said Osinga.

"It would be at least a year before somebody is able to get a `live-aboard' space.

"We already have a long waiting list for people looking to live on a boat. It is coming from both expatriate and locals, not any one particular segment. It seems everybody is affected by the housing crisis."

The marina manager closely monitors the activity at the marina, with strict regulations applied.

"We like them to keep their boat and their space clean and tidy and to keep the noise level down, and to be courteous to their neighbours," said Osinga.

"That's part of the reason also why we also keep it at a moderate number of `live-aboards'. Some `live-aboards' are good for the marina because `live-aboards' act as the eyes and ears out on the marina, to recognise problems on the marina and also help to reduce thefts from other boats because there are always people there."

Other parts of the Island also have people living on boats, though exact numbers could not be determined. The areas where it is happening include Ely's Harbour, Mangrove Bay, Jew's Bay, St. David's and St. George's harbour.