Essential marine tips

Sea Rescue

The St. Maarten Sea Rescue Foundation operates four rescue vessels to assist mariners in distress, including a 20meter Dutch built all weather craft originally commissioned in 1968. It is built of steel, is self-righting and is powered by two 340HP diesels, with a range of 1000 miles. Rescue 1 is a 30ft. semi rigid inflatable, which is capable of speeds of up to 50 knots and is manned by a crew of three. It has the capacity to carry up to 40 passengers. Rescue 2 is a 43ft. aluminum purpose-built rescue vessel powered by two AP72GM's and fitted with the very latest in navigational aids and First Aid equipment. There is also a fast RIB for offshore work. All vessels are manned by a team of volunteers.

Some important numbers:

Cost Guard: 543 7603
Lagoon Authority: 545 3183
SXM Sea Rescue Service: 199 or 542 4966

Weather: 123

Marine Emergency Numbers

In the event of an emergency at sea, yachtsmen in the vicinity of St. Maarten should use the emergency Ch.16. If your VHF is not working and you have a cellular telephone, you may call the St. Maarten Sea Rescue Service by dialing 199 or the Police by dialing 911.

Sandy Ground Bridge Info

This bridge is the main access into Simpson Bay Lagoon from the French side of the island. Access is from Marigot Bay and the bridge will accommodate vessels with a maximum beam of 32 feet and a maximum draft of 10 feet. There is a 10-foot clearance when the bridge is closed. There is a 3mph speed limit in the channel.

Bridge Opening Times - both sides

Simpson Bay Bridge Info

This is the main access into and out of Simpson Bay Lagoon from the Dutch side of the island. The Bridge is located in Simpson Bay and will accommodate vessels up to a maximum beam of 56 feet (17 meters) and a maximum draft of 17 feet (6 meters). Wide beamed vessels must request pilotage.
When the bridge is closed there is 8.6 feet (2.6 meters) clearance in the port channel and 8 feet (2.4 meters) clearance in the starboard channel.
Note: Clearance may vary depending on the state of the tide.
There is a 3mph speed limit for all vessels using the access channel, and within the lagoon all marinas and yacht anchorages are deemed ‘no wake zones'

All vessels entering Simpson Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon are by law required to clear in at the Lagoon Authority collection Office immediately after arrival and pay the indebted bridge, harbor and clearance fees. All fees are immediately due and payable upon arrival.

Bridge fees as per January 1, 2008:

USD 10 for boats from 9 to 12 meters in length
USD 30 for boats from 12 to 15 meters in length
USD 60 for boats from 15 to 18 meters in length
USD 120 for boats from 18 to 22 meters in length
USD 200 for boats from 22 to 28 meters in length
USD 300 for boats from 28 to 36 meters in length
USD 500 for boats from 36 meters and larger

*Above mentioned fees are during regular hours entering the lagoon

Special Bridge Openings
Special bridge openings per vessel and per opening may be requested 24 hours in advance for openings between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. at a fee of USD 1,000 regardless of the length of the vessel and must be paid in advance.

For any information please call the SLAC office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at (599) 545- 3138 or via the Police Station at (599) 545-5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the bridge operator on VHF channel 12.