Vessels in Saint-Martin waters during hurricane season

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin and the Port Authority inform all sea users that an official and coordinated protocol has been implemented to manage recreational and commercial vessels during the hurricane season.

This structured system aims to enhance risk prevention, protect people, strategic infrastructure and the environment, and prevent the recurrence of serious consequences observed during past events like Hurricane Irma.

From the beginning of hurricane season, a protocol regulating the presence and movement of vessels in territorial waters is activated. Full details are included in the PDF files below.

Mooring Prohibited

To prevent damage caused by vessels during a cyclone, the Collectivité of Saint-Martin has established a specific regulatory framework via a presidential decree banning mooring when a weather alert is issued.

The decree applies to all territorial waters of Saint-Martin, including bays, light mooring zones (ZMEL), and Simpson Bay Lagoon. In the event of an orange alert issued by Météo-France, mooring is strictly prohibited, regardless of vessel size or flag. This ban is intended to reduce the risk of grounding, pollution, damage to critical infrastructure, and to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response. Any vessel in violation may be removed at the owner's expense.

Presence of Vessels During Hurricane Season

The presence of vessels is tolerated as long as no alert is issued. Users are advised to remain vigilant and follow Météo-France weather bulletins. Each recreational or professional user must establish a safety plan: hauling out the vessel, sailing south, reinforcing moorings, or identifying a safe onshore shelter. This plan should be prepared at the start of the season and adapted to each vessel.

Vessel Presence When a Cyclone Is Forecasted

As soon as a system is forecasted to affect Saint-Martin, the protocol takes effect. Vessels must implement their safety plan:
- leave territorial waters for less exposed southern areas
- haul out the vessel at a boatyard if a reservation is confirmed

Remaining afloat in mooring areas, bays, or the lagoon is prohibited from orange alert level. Administrative sanctions may apply, including forced relocation at the owner's expense.

Access to Simpson Bay Lagoon and Conditions

Access to the lagoon is strictly regulated upon the announcement of a cyclone. Only vessels with a confirmed haul-out reservation at a boatyard will be permitted. No vessel may remain afloat during orange, red, or purple alerts.

To obtain authorization, a complete file must be sent to mouillage@portdemarigot.com including:
- vessel registration certificate or customs clearance
- proof of insurance covering natural disasters and salvage
- confirmation of boatyard reservation

Authorizations are valid for the entire season and must be presented at the Sandy-Ground Bridge channel during the last possible bridge opening. If an alert is issued, one final opening may be authorized up to orange alert if winds are lower than 25 knots, under strict control.

The Collectivité urges all sea users to take responsibility from the beginning of the season to ensure safety, minimize damage, and protect the marine environment.

Practical Recommendation Sheet

1- At the start of the season:
- update the cyclone safety plan
- verify insurance coverage for natural disasters and salvage
- ensure vessel registration or clearance is valid
- evaluate haul-out options and make appointments
- identify a Collectivité-designated cyclone shelter
- prepare an onboard safety kit
- review the mooring ban decree
- update emergency contacts and coordinate with crew/clients

2- Upon cyclone announcement:
- green alert: monitor weather, finalize admin steps, test comms, prepare moorings
- yellow alert: anticipate haul-out, gather documents, inform crew, stay reachable
- orange alert: decree takes effect, execute safety plan, remove deck equipment, prep shelter
- red alert: Sandy-Ground Bridge closed, move to onshore shelter
- purple alert: all movement prohibited
- grey alert: do not relaunch without authorization, report any damage or wreck

See also: the article on hurricane season preparedness.