Reported by the Caribbean Safety & Security Net – 29 May, 2016:

Theft at Marine Port la Royale
An unlocked yacht docked at Port Royale marina was boarded overnight while the crew slept. The crew discovered the theft of cash the next morning. Reports were made to the Port Captain, Police and Marina. When the police reviewed the marina’s video surveillance they found most of the cameras were not operational.

Good tip from Ken Goodings – Caribbean Navigator Facebook Page:
Another daylight dinghy theft in St Martin, French side. Chain used was 3/16 inch stainless, that’s less than a quarter inch or just under 6 mm. Please consider using SS chain at least 8-10 mm or 5/16 – 1/2 inch. Heavier SS chain is perhaps just plain less prone to quickie thefts, especially in daylight with people around.

Reported by SY Sundancer:
This morning (13 Jan), two Gendarmes came to my boat and others in Nettle Bay (French west end of the lagoon) by kayak. I didn’t see if they came from or continued toward other parts.

They asked for no documentation, but only wanted to warn of increased crime in the area, especially at night, and to lock our dinghy to the boat. Ours hangs from davits, but they recommended we use cable and lock in addition as thieves would just cut the lines.

They mentioned that one of our boat neighbours recently saw some activity on its security camera (I didn’t get specifics). Also, as always, secure the doors when sleeping or away and don’t leave valuables lying around within easy reach.

Yes, the whole process for clearing in changed mid-November, and they are slowly streamlining the process. Currently, the opening hours listed are 8-12, 2-4. You do have to wait outside, but the office has two terminals and he will allow two boats to clear at the same time. The is a covered shade area outside the door, depending on the angle of the sun.

Unfortunately, the port officer in charge of the clearance at this time is very unpleasant to deal with, and clearly does not like to have to deal with cruisers in addition to his other workload! Hopefully, this will change in the future, in the meantime, “kill him with kindness” and the process goes smooth enough, and takes about 20-30 min/boat. We had fees of 25 euro upon arrival, the .25 euro/meter/day payable upon departure.

Important to have euros to pay as he can not accept any other currency. Money changers and ATM just minutes walk away from the Gare Maritime.

English is widely spoken around town, and currently, much local business’s accept the US or Euro on a 1-1 exchange. Big Super U market nearby, and busses to the Dutch side leave frequently from Marigot 2euro/person, takes about 20 min into Simpson Baie, another 10 into Phillipsburg. Crime seems to be more under control, with a strong police presence in the harbour area, but normal precautions should be applied, especially with your dinghy.
Travis and Joanne
SV Calico Jack

Visited the usual Marina Port La Royale office to do my clearance Nov 25 2015. They no longer have the Customs clearance facilities. I was told to clear in at the ferry dock.