St Maarten Bridge & Boat Fees after 10/10/2010

We haven't been in St Maarten for almost a year now, but people have been complaining a long time about the boat fees for the Dutch bridge and being in Simpson Bay & Dutch-side Lagoon.

Here's a post that Gary Brown had on his blog, Ocean Media.  Gary has the radio show YachtBlast and he has recently become the editor of All At Sea (you can download it here for free).

The Winds of Change
St. Maarten Bridge and Mooring fees after 10-10-10

The winds of change are blowing in Dutch Sint Maarten. On October 10 St. Maarten became a country within the Dutch Kingdom. As we woke on October 11, it seemed little had changed. The new government gave themselves a day off while the rest of the population went about their normal business.

Before the change to country status it was announced that there would be a reduction in bridge and mooring fees for yachts visiting the island beginning January 1. This has been long in coming, it doesn’t go far enough, but at least it’s a start. According to the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association, high fees, introduced without prior notice two years ago, caused a devastating decline in arrivals and a major drop in business activities.
St. Maarten’s marine economy was built on the backs of the smaller cruising boats, reports say that this is where the largest decline occurred, with a sixty-five to seventy-five per cent drop over the last 24 months.

Much can be blamed on ‘mega yacht’ madness. From government and right down the food chain, the mega yacht was seen as the Golden Goose. Legislators appear to be doing something to put that right but, to be fair; many businesses are not without blame, they cranked up prices to shake as much cash out of the mega yachts as they could. “They can pay, they can pay, money’s no object,” was the cry. I heard it first hand, time and again.

Small boats were caught up in the madness and came up with their own answer. Instead of taking out a mortgage to pay for an hour of a service professionals’ time, they took their boats elsewhere and broadcast it to the world through social media.

Let’s hope that what started before country status will continue. That St. Maarten will lower all bridge and mooring fees, businesses will understand the threat posed by burgeoning competition elsewhere, and the island will regain its rightful place as the Yachting Capital of the Caribbean.

Effective January 1, 2011, fees for vessels in the categories eight to eighteen meters will change as follows: A thirty per cent reduction in bridge fee rates; and a rebate of two free weeks out of every eight consecutive weeks spent in St. Maarten.

Thanks for the info, Gary!

Gary has also written a book, titled Caribbean High. It is available in paperback on Amazon.com and also as a Kindle version.

Questions & Answers Christiansted St Croix USVI

[ Updated a bit on November 9 2011 ]

Here are some questions that I had concerning Christiansted, St Croix, US Virgin Islands. I hope it will help other cruisers who are arriving for the first time here.

You might want to read a previous post, and open the map in another window.... CLICK HERE FOR MAP and refer to map numbers below. I suggest that you download the map to your computer so you can view it full size or enlarge it.

Click image to enlarge

• Which channel to take? Follow the channel that takes you to Gallows Bay. I would NOT recommend entering at night. Yes, there are lots of lighted buoys, but there are also lots of reefs. NOVEMBER 2011: Very few of the lighted buoys are working. (We arrived late and around midnight anchored by Buck Island in 12-18 ft of water.) We've been told that there are free moorings in Gallows Bay for transients. You can continue on and enter Christiansted Harbor but this is an area full of local boats on moorings. Perhaps you can find a spot around the edge but don't block the channel on the other side (fuel barges use it to go to WAPA) and also you don't want to get in the way of the seaplane.
  

• Where to check in? Customs & Immigration (see #2 on map) is located in Gallows Bay, near the ferry terminal and cargo ship dock. Tie your dinghy up, but don't lock, at St Croix Marine (#1). With your back to the water, take a left and follow the driveway to the street. Turn right. It's not too far and it is on your right.  There's a little guardhouse at the gate and he'll point you to the door. Phone: 340-773-1011. According to the 2009 USVI Marine Guide publication: Hours of Operation: 7am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Saturday & Sunday arrivals must contact the airport office at 340-778-0216.
  

• Where is the dinghy dock? For shopping in the Gallows Bay area, St Croix Marine (#1) offers the use of their dinghy dock but ask that you do not lock it in case they must move it. St Croix Marine has become very unfriendly folks. In September 2011 they will no longer allow you to tie up your dinghy to their dock to go shopping in the neighborhood... even if you buy something from them and want to continue on to do some grocery shopping, unless you want to pay $10 for the privilege. We no longer have anything to do with this business. We walk to the gas station and save over $1/gallon. The marine store says they have discount fuel but they don't, or at least the end user doesn't get the discount. The manager would not comment on this when asked. The common dinghy dock on the Christiansted Boardwalk is right in front of Styxx (#11). You may want to throw out an aft anchor to keep you from going under the dock. You can also tie up in front of the Brew Pub which to the left when faciing Styxx, near the Comanche Mill Yacht-Less Club.
  

• Where to dump trash? Go to the dinghy dock in front of Styxx (#11). To your right there is a street and behind that low wall that which is probably to keep cars from driving on the boardwalk, you'll see 3 or 4 trash bins.
  

• Where to get water & fuel? There is a fuel dock at St. Croix Marine (#1). They have water, gasoline, and diesel. Will fill your boat tanks or jerrycans. The water can be very brown. I heard a politician on the radio say that this is due to rust in the water pipes in many areas of St Croix. Think of it as an iron supplement... The water at St Croix Marine will quickly clog your water filter. We had a neighbor buy water filters at their store and then after filtering 10 or so gallons of their water the filters were completely clogged and useless. Get your water from the bar next to the Brew Pub (Bucaneer Yachtless Club???) for ten cents a gallon. Still has particles but not as bad.
  

• Where to fill propane? It is somewhere on the other side of the island near Hovensa. We were told to go to Styxx (#11) and ask if anyone will be going there soon and catch a ride with them. A taxi would be very expensive. We bought our propane tanks at Cost-U-Less and they are the same type that you can swap out at Gallows Bay Ace Hardware (#4). There is another hardware store in Gallows Bay now... Gannet. Close to Schooner Bay Market, ask for directions. If you find someone who performs a service like Island Marine and Budget Marine offers in St Maarten (you leave your propane tank at the store, they take it to the filling station and you pick it up at the store later in the afternoon), please let us know!
  

• Mail? St Croix is part of the US Postal System so it is possible to have things delivered by Priority or Express Mail at the same cost as anywhere else in the US. There is a Post Office in Gallows Bay (#3) but they don't do General Delivery. For general delivery (poste restante) you need to go to the main Post Office that is outside of Christiansted. You pass by it (on your right) on the way to Pueblo.  Warning: FedEx, UPS, etc treats the USVI as an international location so is expensive... Use US Mail. We get our mail at Surf The Net ($12/month). Pass through Styxx (#11) and follow that little street. Go up the steps and it is to your left.  Watch out that you don't step on Paula, the little Chihuahua. Sandy is a very interesting person and a good musician that performs at various venues around the island (Sunday brunch, Golden Rail at St Croix Marine). November 2011: Sandy is planning to completely shut down Surt the Net soon.
  

• Laundry? We have found two laundromats. One in Gallows Bay (#8) and the other (#13) which is by the Seaplane (#12). Both provide drop off and do-it-yourself service. They have front loaders and have $3.50 & $5.50 machines. The most direct route for the one in Gallows Bay is to tie up at St Croix Marine (#1) and walk down towards the Gallows Bay Marketplace but stay on the road and pass by the VI Trading Lumberyard (#5). Continue to the main road (East End Road) and turn left. The laundry (#8) is a little bit up this road on your left (across from the Canegata Ballpark). While waiting for your wash (cold=25 minutes), you can check out the little bakery a bit farther along the street or grab a Coke at Schooner Bay Market (#9) which is a bit farther still. For the other laundry (Prince's Street?), tie up at Styxx (#11) and take a right. Follow the boardwalk to where it ends at the Seaplane (#12). Turn left to get onto their driveway and then take a right on the main road. The laundry is on the next street to the left and the laundry (#13) is not too far on the left side of this street.
  

• Vet? This is one of the first things we try to "suss out" is where to find a veterinarian within walking distance (if possible). Fortunately, we haven't had to go there, but there is a vet (#7) at the Gallows Bay Marketplace. Progressive Veterinary Hospital, Kasey Canton, DVM 340-719-7387. November 2011: This office has closed.

• Buses? See our previous post about buses and bus schedule HERE. Vitran buses are $1 each way across the whole island, and there are also $2.50 taxivans which pretty much take the same route. They come in handy when the Vitran bus has broken down or when you just don't want to wait for the next bus. The Christiansted bus stop (map #10) which corresponds to the time in the bus schedule is outside of the yellow National Park Service building at the end of King Street. We've noticed that the buses aren't very reliable as quite often one bus will be broken down leaving only one bus running which cuts the service way down.  It might be a good idea to ask the bus driver if both buses are running so you know what to expect. I must remember to do this. Even Mr & Mrs Cheapseats have given up and paid $3 more for our trip back to the boat.

• Taxis? See Taxi fares from Christiansted and from Frederiksted to various locations

• ATM? There is an ATM machine at First Bank. It is just a few steps away from this bus stop (map #10). With your back to the water and yellow Park Service building on your left, look to the right and you will see it on the front of the building under the covered sidewalk. The Bank of St Croix over by the post office  (map #3) at Gallows Bay Marketplace wouldn't accept my bank's debit card.  They only accept cards on the Star network. First Bank charges $2 per transaction. NOVEMBER 2011: This ATM is closed. Walk up the street (past the library) and there will be two banks across the street from each other. We use First Bank because in the past, Scotia Bank does not accept our debit card.

• Marine Store? St Croix Marine (#1). Marine store, marina, travelift, boatyard, and the dinghy dock. There is now also a Budget Marine which is not within walking distance, even if you take the east end bus part of the way there. Prices are 15% higher than list price at Budget Marine St Maarten where you would get at least 10% off list... The owners are very nice though. You can order something on the phone and they will deliver it to you in Christiansted. No plywood in stock (neither at Budget Marine in St Thomas). We go to the hardware stores or order online (Defender will ship USPS) because we do not like the marine stores here.
  

• Where to shop: Food? We do most of our food shopping at two places. Schooner Bay Market & Pueblo 
• Schooner Bay Market (#9) at Gallows Bay Marketplace (we usually wind our way through this shopping center to get there). Smaller and a bit more expensive than Pueblo, but it is close and you don't have to pay and wait for a bus. They have a small produce section, bakery, deli, fresh meat, and all the normal stuff.  They have a website.
  
• Pueblo Supermarket (#14) up at Golden Rock Shopping Center to the west of Christiansted. Pueblo is cheaper, is a bit of hilly hike but the walk is good for us. We always walk both ways now. For Pueblo, tie up at Styxx (#11) and walk through until you come to King Street. Take a right and continue on this road until you reach Golden Rock at the second traffic light (the lights are very far apart!). We take the bus (map #15) back which is a 10-minute, $1 ride. When looking at the bus schedule, figure that Golden Rock is half way (10 minutes) between Sunny Isle and Christiansted, being sure that you are looking at the correct direction. Of course, you can always take the bus from Christiansted (map #10) if you don't feel up to the walk.

• On the way to Pueblo, just near the top of the hill before getting to the main Post Office, there is a street to the right and at the end of it you'll see the St Croix Animal Shelter Flea Market. They have lots of stuff (used clothing) and this is where we have bought quite a few paperback books.

• When you get to the stop light at Pueblo, if you continue on the road to the right, there are two banks with ATMs, a Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, and MacDonalds. Sometimes you just need a fix...

• Cost-U-Less and Plaza Extra are located farther from town near Sunny Isle Shopping Center (just before at Sion Farm) which you will need to take a bus. This Cost-U-Less is again different, yet similar, from the one in St. Thomas, which is different from the one in St Maarten. Different products, and of course the thing that you want that you can find in SXM is not available at the store here... So It Goes :) Plaza Extra is a large supermarket but we didn't really find any advantage in going to either of these stores, unless you want to do other things at the shopping center (Wendy's Chili for lunch?). We buy Crystal Light at Cost-U-Less.
  

• Where to shop for other stuff? So far, we've only been to Golden Rock and Sunny Isle shopping centers. Looking forward to taking the bus to Frederiksted at the west end of the island. [We went to Frederiksted and we were very disappointed that there wasn't really anything there of practical interest. Maybe for historical and that sort of interesting stuff, plus that is where the cruiseship dock is. There is another K-Mart beyond the University of the VI in a pretty deserted shopping mall. Check it out as they do have a bit more stuff, but nothing for us to make the longer trip].
• Gallows Bay Marketplace: Gallows Bay (Ace) Hardware (#4), US Post Office (#3), small bookstore (#6), veterinarian / animal hospital (#7), lumberyard VI Trading (#5) probably an ATM... ask!
  
• Golden Rock: Pueblo Supermarket (#14), Blockbuster, Sterling Optical, Dominos Pizza, and a few other little shops.
• Sunny Isle: Much larger. On the bus ride TO Sunny Isle, you'll see Cost-U-Less and Plaza Extra on your right at Sion Farm. Go shopping at Sunny Isle, then walk back to these stores if you want to shop there. There is a bus stop back to Christiansted at Plaza Extra. St Croix has two K-Marts. The smaller one is at Sunny Isle. Other stores: Radio Shack, Office Max, movie theater, AT&T, Footlocker, small clothing stores, other shops. Food: IHop, MacDonalds, Wendy's for your "fast" food fix. There is a large hardware store with lumberyard across the street from Wendy's. You'll see it on the left side of the road before the bus turns in to the shopping center. [There is also a Sears/Kmart annex nearby. When you get off the bus, walk a few yards forward and take a left on that driveway (if you go to the right it takes you to KMart, but don't do that now). So, take the left and walk straight. Cross the road and behind the WAPA (Water and Power Authority) building, you'll see a little strip of buildings with the Sears/Kmart where they have tools and things that the main Kmart store does not have.]
  

• Where to get a cell phone? We got our AT&T "Go Phone" at Radio Shack in St Thomas, which, of course, is good for St Croix too. I bought the cheapest phone thinking that I'd put the chip into my triband phone but it didn't work because they use the 850 band here. The phones you buy here are dual band 850 & 900 which work in US, USVI, and Puerto Rico. They sell them at Radio Shack & the AT&T store at Sunny Isle. Don't know anything about other carriers, sorry! I have the $60/month plan which has unlimited, nationwide long distance & texting. I pay using my AT&T internet account. I went to AT&T here in STX because I was having problems with voicemail. Turns out the plan doesn't include voicemail but it is only $0.99/month. $60/month is quite an outlay but it is so nice not to worry about the minutes ticking by when someone place you on hold, etc. [They now have a $2/day plan. If you use the phone you are charged $2 for that day, if you don't use it you pay zero. So,  if you used it everyday, it would be the same as the $60/month plan... save a bit of money and plan your calls.] NOVEMBER 2011: AT&T now has a $50/month plan that we use instead of the $2/day.

• Dive Shop? We know of SCUBA (St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures). Tie up at Styxx (#11) take a right on the boardwalk to first street (where you dump your trash) which is Caravelle Arcade and it is on the other side of the street (to your right if back facing the water). They made excellent eggnog at Christmas!
  

• WiFi / Internet access? We have internet access on the boat.  You can try various hotspots and see if you can get free wifi, or you can pay (hotspots starting with "BroadbandVI"). I think it's $60/month.  As a comparison, we paid $100/month in St Maarten for Scarlet service. You can also get fee wifi at a few of the boardwalk bars, and there are a couple of internet cafes. Prices: $59.95 for 30 days, $39.95 for 7 days, $30.95 for 3 days, $9.95 for 1 day, $4.95 for one hour. If you prefer an internet cafe, check out the previously-mentioned Surf-The-Net. You can use her computers or use her wifi.

Well, that's enough to get started...

You can check our other posts with the label of St Croix. CLICK HERE

Cruisers Map for Christiansted St Croix USVI

My project for today (feels like a Saturday) is to put together a helpful map for cruisers coming to Christiansted, St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

I did a couple of screenshots of Google Maps for the area, then stitched them together, and placed numbers on them.  It is a pretty large image but for me, this is what I would have like to have had when we arrived here :) Gives a good overview...

( Click image to view enlarged map in new window )

GALLOWS BAY
1) St Croix Marine - Dinghy Dock
2) Customs & Immigration
3) US Post Office
4) Gallows Bay Ace Hardware
5) VI Trading Lumberyard
6) Undercover Bookstore
7) Progressive Veterinary Hospital - 340-719-7387
8) Laundry
9) Schooner Bay Market

CHRISTIANSTED
10) Bus Stop
11) Styxx - Dinghy Dock
12) Seaborne Seaplane
13) Laundry - Prince's Street

GOLDEN ROCK SHOPPING CENTER
14) Pueblo Supermarket
15) Bus Stop

You might find it handy to click on the image to go to the full size map and then download it to your computer where you can view it better.

Pleasant & Unexpected Surprise from BVIs

There was a post on the LatsAndAtts forum where someone said that you can clear in to the BVIs at Jost Van Dyke. Well, according to my information this was changed at the end of April 2009... See post here concerning BVI check-in procedures.

So, just to check, I sent an email to the person in the press release and I received a very pleasant response within an HOUR! I was so surprised to get an answer at all, let alone a quick reply :)

Hello Sheila,

Thanks for your inquiry.

I have been informed by Her Majesty's Customs that those arrangements remain in effect at this time.

You may contact Her Majesty's Customs on (284) 494 3701 ext. 6800 or 6802 for additional information.

Regards,
Joseph A. Daley
Ministry of Health and Social Development

Thank you so much, for taking the time to contact Customs and getting back to us! You deserve a gold star!

New Regulations for Entering Panama : 48 hr minimum advance notification

This information was in my mailbox this morning (28 May 2009) from the folks at Sail-World.com. You can see it here, or read below...

48 hour arrival notification requirement now for Panama

Yachts contemplating being in Panama or wanting to transit the canal any time soon should know of a change in regulations.

Joining other countries of the Pacific like Fiji and Australia, Panama is now requesting that yachts notify their arrival into Panama at least 48 hours before their arrival.

It is worth remembering that this is the MINIMUM, so that it is possible to notify the authority before leaving your previous port of call.

There is a new official document, which can be downloaded and printed out and either scanned and emailed, or faxed to the Panama authorities. To access the document, click here.

Full information about all aspects of the requirements can be obtained on the website: www.amp.gob.pa

If you are interested in a crewed yacht charter for Panama, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

St Martin - Clearing In and Out on the French side

Yesterday we went into the Marina Port La Royale, the marina INSIDE of the lagoon, to get a couple of jerry cans of water.

(Capitainerie - Water Dock - Click for larger image)

While I was waiting in the Capitainerie office, I noticed that someone was checking out. So, I learned something new! You can clear in and out of both marinas. He wanted to get his passport stamped so he'd have all his i's dotted and t's crossed when he enters the USA. Of course they can't do this at the marinas and he was told to go and see the immigration folks over at the Gare Martime where the Anguilla ferries are (where the "official" port office for clearance is located).

See previous post: French St. Martin - Checking In - May 2009

The Capitainerie at the Royale marina opens at 8 or 9am (can't remember) until noon and then 3-5pm, Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays.

So, if you want to check out on Sunday, do so the day before or go to the other marina in Marigot Bay, Marina Fort Louis.

French St. Martin - Checking In - May 2009

We checked in to the French side of St. Martin this morning (see photos below). I thought I was being very clever because last time we were here I got a few extra clearance forms so I could fill them in beforehand and be prepared when checking in.

Well, they no longer use the paper forms. They have two computers in the office for cruisers to use instead. You might want to type with two fingers and do the old "hunt & peck" technique as it is a French keyboard (AZERTY not QWERTY) and there are quite a few differences, such as numbers are upper case, punctuation is different (the M is a ? in AZERTY). Quite fun because I used French keyboards when I worked in Paris. Even though it has been over 10 years, I still sometimes type French words like restaurant wrong because of the muscle memory of using French AZERTY keyboards.

Anyway... We had a pleasant surprise. We were only charged US$8.00.

Back in January of this year, we were told that everyone, regardless of where you anchored, had to pay a 20 euro entrance fee which also includes the first day of anchoring in Marigot Bay. Today we were told that the 20 euro entrance fee is only for boats staying in Marigot Bay, along with the 25 eurocents/meter/day anchoring charge, but for boats anchoring anywhere else (NOT Marigot Bay) you only have to pay the $8.00 in/out fee.

Also, if you anchor in Marigot to wait for the bridge to pass into the lagoon, or if you anchor to do the administrative procedures, you are not charged the 20 euros for that.

Where to check in, Marigot, St. Martin...

[ Click image to enlarge photo ]

This is a photo from the waterfront of the Gare Maritime which is close to the Fort Louis Marina. This is also the dinghy dock for Marigot Bay. Tie up to the right where the flags are to keep out of the way of the ferries. There are some dumpsters for trash towards the right, as well. You'll see it when you get there. Remember to lock up your dinghy.

[ Click image to enlarge photo ]

Here is a picture of the Gare Maritime from the parking lot. Walk down to the end (when facing the building, to the right) of the building, hang a left and you'll see the door for office where you clear in and out.

[ Click image to enlarge photo ]

Voilà! Vous êtes ici! The "Bureaux: Régie du Port". Don't worry as there's always some taxi guys around who will help you if you aren't sure where to go. Knock on the door to let the person in the office know you are there.

We always ask to have our passports stamped. One reason is because the Dutch Immigration police sometimes stop the buses and ask for passports, so it is best to be able to prove that you have checked in to the French side and when :)

Enjoy life on the French side!

Also see newer post: St Martin - Clearing In and Out on the French side

BVIs changes in Customs / Clearing In - British Virgin Islands

Our friend Kerry, owner-operator of the charter boat Promenade, informed us about the changes in Customs & clearing-in procedures for the British Virgin Islands, and we thought we should also pass the information along...

R/09 Contact: Joseph A. Daley
Information Officer II
Min of Health & Social Development
Telephone: 468-3701 ext. 3122
Email: jdaley@gov.vg

HIGHER SWINE FLU ALERT SEE CHANGE IN CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

Thursday, April 30 (2009) – New customs clearance procedures will be implemented from this Friday, in Government’s ongoing quest to strengthen its effort to mitigate the impact of the dreaded Swine Flu (H1N1) virus on the Territory.

After consultations by the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the local Pandemic Influenza Taskforce, Her Majesty’s Customs has issued an advisory to the boating community.

The advisory states that all customs clearance procedures will only be processed through three designated ports of entry until further notice. They are the Road Town and West End Ferry Terminals in Tortola and the Spanish Town Ferry Dock in Virgin Gorda.

Yachters wishing to dock on Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, or any other sister island are advised that they must clear customs at one of the designated locations. Comptroller of Her Majesty’s Customs Mr. Wade Smith said those precautionary measure will be in force until further notice.

Visitors who fail to comply with the new procedures may be charged with illegal entry into the Territory.

Meanwhile, cargo vessels docking in the Territory will continue to be processed at Port Purcell. However there will be additional screening and inspections by officers of the Environmental Health Department and the Department of Agriculture.
MORE
R/09
Page 2
April 30, 2009

The decision to implement new procedures for clearing customs followed the World Health Organisation’s announcement that the global influenza pandemic alert has been increased from Phase 4 to the more serious Phase 5. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter is also encouraging residents of the Territory to restrict unnecessary travel as much as they can amid the increased level of alert for a Swine Flu pandemic.
Several Government agencies have been working collaboratively to monitor Swine Flu reports since the outbreak began, in order to implement measures to safeguard the Territory from its impact. The local Pandemic Influenza Taskforce is led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irad Potter, Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority Dr. Ronald Georges, Health Disaster Coordinator Mrs. Dawn Leonard, and Director of the Department of Disaster Management Ms. Sharleen DaBreo.
# # #

I don't understand how doing away with checking in at Jost, for example, is going to help, but... So It Goes :)

Meeting tonight about Marigot St. Martin fees

There will be a meeting tonight, Thursday January 22, 2009, at the "Le Village" restaurant at the Marina Port La Royale (the one inside the lagoon) to discuss the new fees for anchoring in Marigot Bay, French St. Martin.

More about Marigot St. Martin fees

Today's St. Maarten newspaper (The Daily Herald - January 12, 2009) has another article concerning the new anchoring fees for Marigot Bay, French St. Martin.

Métimer calls for discussions on anchorage fee collection

MARIGOT--French side Marine Trades Association Métimer has called for a 30-day suspension on collection of anchorage fees to allow room for negotiations with the Port Authority amid fears the new fees are too expensive and may influence boats to visit other islands instead. The fees were implemented on January 1, 2009...

Read the entire article: CLICK HERE

Newpaper article about Marigot anchoring fees

There was an article in today's (Jan.9,2009) "The Daily Herald", a Sint Maarten newspaper, concerning the new fees on the French side of St. Martin. The link is:
http://thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l198/anchorl198.html

Port applies anchorage fees for Marigot Bay

MARIGOT--All vessels anchoring in Marigot Bay must now pay anchorage fees that were implemented effective January 1, Ports Authority Director Alberic Ellis disclosed Thursday.

Anchorage fees were not fully collected in the past and were applied mainly to cruise ships, although all vessels were required to pay the clearing-in fee.

Ellis said the new anchorage fees were necessary for the better development of the bay and in keeping with new infrastructure projects, including expansion of marinas for megayachts and yachts in general. The fees will also be used to assist the Collectivité which up to now collects nothing for garbage disposal from yachts.

The fees currently apply to Marigot Bay, but discussions are ongoing about also implementing their collection in Grand Case Bay.

The rate structure is based on the size of vessels, the larger vessels paying more than the smaller vessels. The size categories range from vessels of eight metres in length up to 75 metres. Vessels have the option of paying a one-day rate or a different rate for stays longer than one day.

The one-day anchorage fee (plus the clearance fee) for all vessels 8-13 metres is 20 euros, 13-18 metres 30 euros, 18-23 metres 40 euros, and so on.

Longer stays for non-residents are charged on a per metre per day basis. For example, a 13-metre vessel will pay an anchorage fee of 25 euro cents per metre for a charge of about three euros per day for up to a three-day stay. For stays longer than three days, the rate goes up to 35 euro cents. St. Martin residents are charged 13 euro cents.

“We believe the fees are reasonable and come with all the services,” Ellis explained. “Efforts are currently being put in place to provide more security on the dock. We have already installed surveillance cameras to watch over dinghies and more cameras will be added. The Collectivité is also looking into improving the lighting on the waterfront, and on the dock in particular where the dinghies are tied up. There is a technical problem there which is being addressed.”

Some 150,000 euros will also be spent on refurbishing the deck of the waterfront dock, while Semsamar will also be investing in improvements to Marina Port La Royale in 2009 and 2010

Ellis said the introduction of anchorage fees in Marigot should not come as any surprise, as they were applied in harbours all over the world.

“We understand for quite some time anchorage fees were not charged, but St. Martin is changing and evolving,” he said. “If we are to continue giving the level of service expected of us, that comes with a price. That said, we fully recognise the yachting and marine industry’s significant contribution to our economy. Naturally we want to keep St. Martin/St. Maarten as an important port of call.”

Ellis and First Vice-President Daniel Gibbs stressed they did not want the fees to be viewed as a tax on cruising yachtsmen, but as a participation fee to continue ensuring that the necessary infrastructure can be put in place.

“It’s not fair that only the population pays for upgrades in infrastructure and new facilities. It’s reasonable for yachts to contribute and our prices are well below the other islands,” Gibbs added.

The Ports Authority has no jurisdiction over anchoring in Simpson Bay Lagoon and only collects the clearance fees.

New anchoring fees Marigot St. Martin

Yesterday we went to Marigot and spoke with the official who clears the boats in & out, rather than depending on rumors that have been going through the SXM boating community.

New fees for French St. Martin, Marigot Bay as of January 1, 2009.

1 euro is currently about US$1.40

Clearance fee: 5 euros

Initial administrative fee includes first day anchoring charges:

• 8 to 13 meters: 20 euros
• 13 to 18 meters: 30 euros
• 18 to 23 meters: 40 euros
• 23 to 28 meters: 50 euros
• 28 to 33 meters: 60 euros
• 33 to 38 meters: 70 euros
• 38 to 43 meters: 100 euros
• 43 to 50 meters: 120 euros
• 50 to 75 meters: 130 euros
• more than 75 meters: 150 euros

Non-resident boats:

• Days 2 & 3: 0.25 euros per meter per day
• Days 4 and thereafter: 0.35 euros per meter per day
• (they might change this to all days at 0.25 euros/m/day)

Residents of French St. Martin:

• 0.13 euros per meter per day

No minimum fee. A 10m boat is 20 euros, then 2.50 euros/day for days 2 & 3.
No charge for French lagoon, Grand Case, etc... Only for Marigot Bay.
Based on honor system, but next week they will have a harbour patrol boat to check who is in the bay.

According to a friend of ours, if you need to anchor for a couple of hours in Marigot Bay while waiting for the Sandy Ground bridge to enter the Lagoon, you will not have to pay the fees.

Port Authority Hours:

• Monday through Friday: 8:00am to Noon, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
• Saturday: 8:00am to Noon

For times outside of office hours, you may clear in or out at Marina Fort-Louis in Marigot. Their may be an additional charge for this service.

Hope this helps!

French St. Martin - New cruising / anchoring fees

Well, we were warned about this two years ago... The French side of St. Martin has finally instituted their cruising / anchoring fees.

On the SXM cruiser's net, a few boats said that beginning January 1, 2009 that the French side is now charging 0.35 euros per meter per day, along with an administration clearance fee. Someone was complaining that they are 45 feet and being charged 5 euros/day ($7). Not sure if there is a minimum fee. I bet this has made the Dutch side of Sint Maarten very happy.

What we are reporting is only 3rd hand so we intend to go to Marigot and find out for ourselves directly from the horse's mouth. We'll let you know ASAP what the new fee structure is.

ST MAARTEN SIMPSON BAY PORT & BRIDGE FEES - 2008 SXM

This afternoon I went in to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority office to pay up our harbor fees and I asked for a copy of the document with the fees and regulations. I just checked their web site (March 19, 2008) and they still have not updated it with the 2008 fees so I thought I'd type out a bit of the 5-page document for you...

I just called them to ask if the fees apply to Philipsburg and was told no, just Simpson Bay and the Lagoon. Mmmmmmm, might check that out as we just paid $247.42 :)


Dutch bridge from inside of Simpson Bay Lagoon.

The Fees Collection Office of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority is located at the Police Station in Simpson Bay near the bridge and can be accessed through the gate at their dinghy dock. Their telephone/ fax number is (00 599) 545 3183. Open every day, including holidays from 8am to 6pm. (We have seen them close early, such as for a funeral, but there will be a note posted on the door.)

Think of bridge fees as round trip... You are charged one fee for one in & out... Not each time under the bridge, if you catch my drift... In our case it would be a $10 bridge fee if we want to take our boat inside to go to Bobby's Boatyard in the Lagoon. We would go in AND out for the $10. Not $10 in and then another $10 out.

BRIDGE FEES (in US Dollars) during regular opening hours entering the Lagoon:

• 9-12 meters: $10
• 12-15 meters: $30
• 15-18 meters: $60
• 18-22 meters: $120
• 22-28 meters: $200
• 28-36 meters: $300
• over 36 meters: $500

SPECIAL BRIDGE OPENINGS per vessel and per opening may be requested 24 hours in advance for openings between 6:00am and 6:00pm at a fee of $1000 regardless the length of the vessel and must be paid in advance.

HARBOR FEES (in US Dollars) per week or portion of a week:

• 8-13 meters $20
• 13-18 meters: $40
• 18-23 meters: $60
• 23-28 meters: $90
• 28-33 meters: $120
• 33-38 meters: $150
• 38-43 meters: $180
• 43-50 meters: $210
• 50-75 meters: $250
• over 75 meters: $290

CUSTOM CLEARANCE Fees (in US Dollars):

• 1-99 gross tons: $2.00
• 100-499 gross tons: $5.00
• over 500 gross tons: $9.00

HARBOR CLEARANCE Fees (in US Dollars):

• 1-99 gross tons: $5.00
• 100-499 gross tons: $10.00
• over 500 gross tons: $20.00

BRIDGE OPENING HOURS

• Opening hours for John Sainsborough Lejuez Bridge (Dutch bridge, Simpson Bay)

December through April (every day, Sunday-Saturday & holidays)

• 9:00am - Outbound
• 9:30am - Inbound
• 11:00am - Outbound
• 11:30am - Inbound
• 4:30pm - Outbound
• 5:30pm - Inbound

May through November (every day, Sunday-Saturday & holidays)
Outbound traffic first, then inbound traffic. Wait for green light.

• 9:30am - Outbound then inbound
• 11:30am - Outbound then inbound
• 5:30pm - Outbound then inbound

TRANSITING THE BRIDGE CHANNEL:

Your vessel can only proceed to transgress the bridge channel when the bridge traffic light is green. The outbound traffic coming out of the Lagoon always precedes inbound traffic. All vessels should queue up in line and transit the bridge in the shortest time possible. The bridge attendant will instruct you to speed up if necessary. Monitor VHF Channel 12 so you can follow the instructions and notifications of the bridge attendant.

If there is any emergency on the road, please pay careful attention. You will hear the sirens and the bridge attendant will instruct you to halt your transit so the bridge can close for the passage of emergency vehicles. Afterwards, the bridge will re-open.

The bridge will not operate on days that the 10-minute average wind speed limit as published daily by the Meterological Service of the Netherlands Antilles exceeds 35 km/hour (19.7 MPH). You can requst information via VHF channel 12 or phone 545-3183.

SPEED LIMIT:

In the bridge channel, fare ways and in the Lagoon, a 5MPH speed limit is in force for all vessels. Anchorage zones and marinas fall under "no wake zones". The buoyage system used is the "red right returning" (American) system.

WIDTH, HEIGHT AND DEPTH OF THE BRIDGE PASSAGE:

The bridge opening spans 17 meters (56 feet). The bridge channel has a depth of 5 meters (17 feet). Wide beamed vessels must request piloting. Entering from the sea, the closed bridge has a 2.6 meter (8.6 ft) high clearance in the port channel and a 2.4 meter (8 ft) high clearance in the starboard channel.

SAFETY & SECURITY:

The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority trusts that all visitors and vessels shall comply with all local rules and regulations as legally stipulated and that you will help us keep our waters and facilities safe and clean, free from any contamination, pollution or crime. All fire arms, ammunition and explosives, chemicals and cash money (US$11,000 or more) must be declared with Customs when clearing in. Failure to do so will result in your vessel being impounded and your person being fined andor sentenced to imprisonment. Drugs possession is illegal and will lead to the same punishment as mentioned before. Fire arms possession is only legal if declared and the owner has a legal permit of his country of origin and the arms are safely secured. In all other cases the fire arms will be confiscated.

There's other stuff mentioned, but it's too much to type :)

Their web site is http://www.sxmlagoonauthority.com

Hope this helps!

TORTOLA, BVI - Clearing In

We just received this news from Kerry of the trimaran PROMENADE:

Just got this message passed on...
Urgent!!!

Dear Captains,

The friendly folks at the BVI Customs House in Road Town (and West End) have begun enforcing their rule regarding anchoring within site of the Customs House in order to check in. just this morning, two yachts went into the marina first - they were both fined $2500 (down from the maximum of $5000) for not anchoring in view! In the past they may have quacked at you, wagged their bureaucratic fingers at you, but not stuck you with a big fine.

Wow, that must have hurt!

Last time we checked in at West End (Soper's Hole), Tortola, BVIs they asked where we were anchored. We pointed at our boat which was on one of the moorings just across from Customs. Remember to play nice and by their rules :)

We were recently told about a charter yacht who took his guests to a restricted bay in Anguilla for the afternoon and didn't bother to check in. Why? Especially with a paying charter!!! Not smart.

Sint Maarten Coast Guard Boarding SXM

This morning we had a visit from the St Maarten (SXM) Coast Guard. We were finishing up breakfast in the cockpit and I was splicing a new line on our chain hook.



Sure, come aboard. Two officers came on and asked to see our boat papers, clearance form, and passports, and how long we planned to stay.

Willow popped out and I told the guy that she's a St. Maarten cat that we adopted. He seemed to like cats which was nice. It was good that she met someone that was not a veterinarian :)

On the Cruiser's Net (VHF CH.14 at 07:30am) we heard a recent report that the Coast Guard had been boarding boats and collecting Harbor Fees. I thought this was completely false and, like so many things on the net, was a 14th-hand account of something... Perhaps it was the St Maarten Lagoon Authority, who makes the rounds of the Lagoon and outside in Simpson Bay making sure that boats are up-to-date in their fees.

Anyway, I asked the Coastie if it was true that they collected fees and he told me that they didn't. We also told him that we heard that the Coast Guard was requiring dinghies to have a life jacket for each person, a light, an anchor and an oar. The life jacket and light is correct and you can be fined for not complying, but even though having an anchor and oar is prudent to have aboard, it is not a requirement.

He also warned us to be careful during the Heineken Regatta because there will be a lot more boats around resulting in an increase of thefts. Actually, some of the dinghy thefts are just inconsiderate people who "borrows" anyone's dinghy (or one that looks sort of like theirs) that is still on the dock when the bar closes and they want to go back to their boat.

We have never had a problem with the SXM Coast Guard officers, the St Maarten Lagoon Authority, and the people in the Check In/ Out office near the bridge. Treat them decently and with respect (you are in their country) and you shouldn't get any attitude from them. Hopefully, you will not be after a cruiser who gave the authorities a bit of bad attitude as that may color their visit for those who come after.

Be nice!

NEVIS - New Yacht Mooring System

When we were attending the Charter Yacht Show in Antigua a few weeks ago, we were visiting a charteryacht and when we came back out into the cockpit to inspect the exterior of the vessel, there was this horrible little man monopolizing three of the yacht's (female) crew members showing them a promotional DVD about Nevis and spouting off about something... It was so loud we couldn't talk to the captain and the captain requested the man to leave as he was disruptive and annoying.

I managed to snag a Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) Yacht Mooring System pamphlet from him. As you can tell, we did not hit it off. He was very rude and had a superior attitude... like I was "just a woman"...

Anyway, that's enough of that rant... now let's look at their new mooring policy...

NASPA Moorings are found along the West Cost of Nevis from Windy Hill to Charlestown.

Conditions of Mooring Use and Regulations:

1. All vessels must comply with the Immigration Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) and Customs laws of St. Kitts and Nevis.
2. All vessels approaching Nevis are required to contact the Nevis Air and Sea Ports authority (NASPA) on VHF Channel 16 in order to be assigned a mooring within the first 24 hours upon arrival.
3. Vessels qualifying for mooring use must proceed to specifically-designated mooring after clearance.
4. Coastal mooring permits must be obtained prior to proceeding coastwise.
5. No vessel may use the moorings at any time unless authorized by the NASPA.
6. No anchoring of any vessel is permited without the authorization of NASPA.
7. The discharging of any bilge or sewage or the dumping of any form of litter or pollutant into the water is strictly prohibited.
8. All moorings may be used for short or long-term use.
9. Spear fishing is strictly prohibited. Harvesting of immature conch or lobster or an endangered marine species is strictly prohibited.
10. No flora, fauna or artefact may be damaged or removed during mooring, snorkeling or any other activity.
11. Water skiing may not originate from any moored vessel without permission from NASPA.
12. Jet-skis or other water sports vehicles must be registered with NASPA before use.

Mooring rates for 2008-2010:

- Class 1 : 0-35 feet
Up to 2 days: EC$ 27 / US$ 10
2 days to 1 week: EC$ 40 / US$ 15

- Class 2 : 36-60 feet
Up to 2 days: EC$ 40 / US$ 15
2 days to 1 week: EC$ 54 / US$ 20

- Class 3 : 61-90 feet
Up to 2 days: EC$ 54 / US$ 20
2 days to 1 week: EC$ 67 / US$ 25

Here's some other info from this pamphlet:

It's the Law

• Animals are not permitted to come ashore unless cleared by the Veterinary Officer.
• Do not bring ashore any fruits, plants or plant parts without the permission of the Department of Agriculture.
• Do not dump refuse in our waters or along our coastline.
• Do not take any coral, sponge, marine algae or starfish from the waters or beaches.
• Do not damage coral reefs by anchoring. Use the moorings provided by Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority.
• Do not remove, damage, empty or cast adrift any fishing net, fish pot/trap, gear, tackle or other fishing equipment while in the waters of Nevis.
• Do not use spear guns for fishing in the waters of Nevis.
• Do not dive without a locally-licensed Dive Operator.
• Special permission is needed to pass through Fishing Priority areas or Marine Preserves when entering or leaving port.
• Do not anchor in any designated "safe swimming zone."
• Do not exceed a speed of 2 knots when operating tenders or other water crafts in the swimming zon right-of-way to the beach. All operators are requested to keep a sharp look out at all times when making way through this passage.

Another place off our list!

So it goes...

2008 - New St. Maarten Fees

Since today is December 31st, 2007 I thought we should go and pay our port fee for last week before the rates go up tomorrow.

Last week for a 9-14 metre boat (we are documented as 33.5 feet) we paid $10.30

For the coming week, for an 8-13 metre boat it is twice that... $20.65

She told us that she didn't charge us for the bridge though. What? We are out in Simpson Bay and do not intend to come into the Lagoon. I asked her about bridge fees and she said for a boat our size, it would cost $10 each time we enter the Lagoon.

I went to their web site http://www.sxmlagoonauthority.com/ but they don't have the new fees posted.



So, it will be interesting to see what happens. Will we have more neighbors out here in Simpson Bay? Most people think it is too rolly. Or will they not want to pay twice as much and go over to the French side?

I'd like to check out the French side and see what is happening there. Last July, the French Port person told us that they have mooring fees in place but they haven't enforced them yet. He said that they probably would in the coming season.

So it goes :)

St. Maarten fees going UP

Just saw in the paper (CLICK FOR ARTICLE) that the fees are going up.

The exchange rate for Dutch St. Maarten is One US Dollar = 1.80 NAF but what they call Guilders in St. Maarten (Netherland Antilles Florins)... go figure :)

The new departure fees, commonly called bridge fees, for cruise ships (megayachts) per one-week stay or part thereof will be NAf. 18 for vessels with a length of nine metres or more but fewer than 14 metres; NAf. 27 for vessels with a length of 14 metres or more but fewer than 20 metres; NAf. 45 for vessels with a length of 20 metres or more but fewer than 28 metres; NAf. 81 for vessels with a length of 28 metres or more but fewer than 36 metres; NAf. 153 for vessels with a length of 36 metres or more. For all other vessels the fee will be NAf. 18.

The new harbour fees that are due for passenger ships or yachts per one-week stay or part thereof will be NAf. 36 for vessels with a length of 8 metres or more but fewer than 13 metres; NAf. 72 for vessels with a length of 13 metres or more but fewer than 18 metres; NAf. 108 for vessels with a length of 18 metres or more but fewer than 23 metres; NAf. 162 for vessels with a length of 23 metres or more but fewer than 28 metres; NAf. 216 for vessels with a length of 28 metres or more but fewer than 33 metres; NAf. 270 for vessels with a length of 33 metres or more but fewer than 39 metres; NAf. 324 for vessels with a length of 38 metres or more but fewer than 43 metres.

We just did a week in Simpson Bay and it cost us $10.30 for 2 people aboard a Cal-34. Then when we checked out there was a $2.07 fee. Not bad... Antigua is costing us $44 for the week but that does include a months' cruising fee.

So it goes....

French St. Martin - Clearing In FEES

Better late than never.... I meant to post this several months ago...

Today, May 18, 2007, we checked into the French side of St. Martin in Marigot.

There is a clearance fee of $7.00 (US) which can be paid when entering OR leaving. (Charter yachts must pay $2/guest upon departure)

There are NO overtime fees

OFFICE HOURS (in season):

- Monday-Friday:

• 9:30am - 11:30am
• 2:00pm - 4:00pm

- Saturday:

• 8:00am - 10:00am
• 2:00pm - 4:00pm

- Sunday:

• 9:00am - Noon

ATTENTION! New anchoring fees coming soon...

The Port Official (nice guy, speaks excellent English) told us when we were checking in this morning, that there will be anchoring fees in the future. The regulations are currently in effect but they do not have the manpower right now to implement collection and processing. He expects they will be in effect for next season. It will be for Marigot Bay and Grand Cas... not sure about the French side of the Lagoon but as it is so close to Marigot I would expect that yachts will have to pay there as well.

(I bet all of those people anchored by Mt.Fortune on the Dutch side with their little French courtesy flags up pretending to be on the French side so they don't have to pay the $10-15 per week Dutch fees will be upset.)

He said fees will be 0.40-0.50 euros per meter per day. For my 10m boat, that translates today to $5.40 to $6.75 per day. I hope he meant per week.

Oh well, so it goes... :)