SIMPSONBAY, Sint Maarten — The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, stationed in Sint Maarten, conducts continuous checks on incoming and outgoing vessels. Over the last two weeks, they issued a total of 34 citations (fines) for non-compliance with maritime safety rules.
The breakdown of infractions includes:
- Vessels without proper lighting: 5
- Missing or expired documentation: 17
- Lack of safety equipment (flares, fire extinguishers, and life vests): 10
- Failure to register at immigration services: 1
- Illegal residence on the island: 1
In addition, one vessel was denied entry to Sint Maarten because the captain intended to import animals without proper documentation. The captain was promptly sent back to the port of departure.
