The Office of Disaster Management is urging boat owners, captains and marine operators to finalize hurricane preparedness plans as the Atlantic season approaches its peak.
Colorado State University forecasts a well below-average season due to the likelihood of a strong El Niño event. However, National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson warns that it takes only one hurricane to cause serious damage.
Mariners should inspect moorings, verify insurance coverage, protect important documents and ensure equipment is ready before any storm or hurricane watch is issued.
Sint Maarten-registered vessels must be removed from the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond and secured on land or at a dock before a tropical storm or hurricane passes.
Visiting mariners should arrange to seek safer waters or secure their vessels at a boatyard.
ODM stresses that personal safety must take priority over protecting property.
Preparedness resources are available at sintmaartengov.org/hurricane, while official weather updates are available through Meteo Sint Maarten and SXMGOV Radio 107.9 FM.