PORT ST. MAARTEN:--- The Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) has carried out a number of assessments in preparation for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season with respect to the port’s hurricane preparedness plans. All pre-storm/hurricane plans are in place and ready to be activated in the event of a threat to the country.
PSG is closely monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Erin, the fifth-named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season. Erin could move close enough to the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend to produce some impacts on the islands; however, the magnitude of those impacts is still not known.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is on track, according to weather forecasters, to be above-normal.
For all vessels wishing to enter/exit the Simpson Bay Lagoon, prepare well in advance to come through either the Simpson Bay Bridge or the Causeway Bridge.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon should not be considered a safe haven. The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) is not responsible for any vessel that is anchored in the lagoon. All vessels that enter and anchor in the lagoon do so at their own risk.
Boat owners are responsible for their property and may be held liable for damages to another person’s property/livelihood.
Vessels wishing to enter are urged to do so in a timely manner. Commercial cargo vessels should not seek refuge in the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
The best place to secure your vessel in the event of a hurricane is a boat yard or on land. Mariners are urged to make appointments with boat yards for haul out well in advance.
Vessel owners should ensure that all loose objects or potential objects are removed from the deck of the vessel and secured below (e.g., Sails, awnings, fenders etc.)
Anchored vessels are to ensure that the vessel has enough ground tackle and that it is sufficient for any expected weather conditions, and all lines have chafing gear.
Listen out on marine radio VHF Channel 12 or local radio stations for any changes to or added bridge openings.
Regular Simpson Bay Bridge opening times are: 8.30 AM Outbound, 9.30 AM Inbound; 10.30 AM Out, 11.30 AM In; 3.00 PM In, 16.00 PM Out, 17.00 PM In. Regular Causeway Bridge opening times: 8.00 AM, 10.00 AM, 3.30 PM. Bridges will not open above wind speeds of 25 knots sustained.
For those requiring additional information, you can email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call VHF Channel 12, and in the event of an Emergency, #: +1 721 520-2059.
Port users and carriers operating out of the cargo section at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility are advised to review their hurricane season operating plans if they have not already done so.
Port users and carriers should minimize equipment and container storage at the port facility and ensure they have plans in place to secure these items in the event of a storm/hurricane threat.
Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane.
For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/
