I had occasion to visit Sint Maarten [the Dutch side] at the end of March 2012 for a few days.

It was very noticeable that the Coast Guard RIB was making visits to anchored boats in the lagoon and outside in Simpsons Bay, checking papers safety equipment and searching the boat. I saw 6 or 7 vessels boarded this way in 4 days.

I was searched and my papers checked. They commented that some flares were out of date but took no action. They did check my fire extinguisher but not my EPIRB.

They were also stopping any unlit vessel at night and that included dinghies.

It was also very noticeable that the anchorage on the Dutch side of the lagoon was almost empty but the French side was crammed with cruisers taking advantage of the cost difference.

In my case $40 US per week on the Dutch side and ZERO on the French side.

John Duncker

SV Elephants Child