The following information is thought to be current. While
every effort is made to keep it current, users are advised to check for updates
with The Business Point by calling +599-544-3315 or VHF 14 or 64A (64 US) during
business hours.
- Charts - A variety of charts are available, including the well-known Imray-Iolare
waterproof charts edited by Don Street. Older editions of this series are not corrected to WGS84 GPS
standard, so use caution when using them for approaches. Recent charts from Nautical Publications
(www.nautical-publications.com) are conformed to
WGS84 and have GPS waypoints consistent the Doyle Cruising Guides. Older charts should not be assumed
to be accurate near shore. Hurricanes in 1995 and 1999 caused substantial changes in near shore sand
banks and left a number of un-marked wrecks. Charts are available from marine stores and Bluewater
Books and Charts.
- Entering Dutch Sint Maarten - Procedures for entering the territorial waters of the
Netherlands Antilles are simple and painless. Yachts have to clear Immigration (there are no customs
as such as St. Maarten is duty free) and the St. Maarten Ports Authority. Both of these can be done
at the Police station immediately adjacent to the Simpson Bay Bridge. You can clear in prior to
entering the Lagoon while anchored in Simpson Bay, or just enter and go to your slip or anchorage
and visit the Police Station by land or dinghy. If you are entering at Great Bay, then clear in at
the facility at the entrance to the commercial container and harbor near to the Coast Guard station
on the eastern side of Great Bay.
- Entering French Ste-Martin’ - French procedures are relaxed. Anchor in Baie De Marigot
and dinghy in to the dock at the north end of the waterfront. Clear in with the Immigration immediately
across the road from the Anguilla Ferry dock next to the Tourist Office. You can enter the Simpson Bay
Lagoon before or after clearing in.
- Simpson Bay Bridge Opening Times - Both the Dutch and French side bridges of course stop
road traffic when open, much to the inconvenience of commuters and other drivers.
- Dutch Bridge - During peak season opening times
for outbound traffic are 0900, 1100, and 1630; and Inbound traffic at 0930,
1130, and 1730. Call “Simpson Bay Bridge” on VHF12 about 15 minutes before the
scheduled opening to inform them that you are going to pass through the bridge.
In the Summer these times usually change to one opening each at about 0900,
1100, and 1700. This being the Caribbean, all times tend to be approximate!
- French Bridge - Monday through Saturday 0900, 1400, and 1730. Sundays 0900 and 1730.
Outbound traffic goes first. Call “Sandy Ground Bridge” on VHF16.
- VHF Radio Channels to Remember -
- St. Maarten Ports Authority monitors VHF12 (24/7)
- Coast Guard and St. Maarten Sea Rescue Service monitor VHF16 (24/7)
- St. Maarten Radio Net (Cruisers) on VHF14 (Daily except Sunday at 0730)
- Simpson Bay Yacht Club Marina and Fuel Dock: Monitors VHF16 and 79A (Daylight hours)
- The Business Point monitors VHF14 and 64A (Business hours)
- Marine Weather - Marine Weather - Island 92
(91.9 FM) (www.island92.com) broadcasts a
detailed marine weather forecast and outlook at 0900 Monday – Friday. The
Caribbean Weather Centre in Tortola BVI issues a regional forecast every morning
on SSB through the services of Chris Parker on "Bel Ami" who replaced the late
David Jones. We suggest that cruising yachts in the Caribbean become sponsoring
members of the Caribbean Weather Centre (www.caribwx.com)
and check in daily on the net (8104 KHz 0830 AST). The St. Maarten Radio Net
meets Monday through Saturday at 0730 on VHF 14 and broadcasts a weather
synopsis.
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