Arrival and clearance
Simpson Bay Bridge Transit: Opening Times, VHF 12 and the Approach
What to check before the bridge: opening information, radio procedure, berth status and vessel particulars.
Read
2 min
Last reviewed
23 July 2026
For
Captain · Chief officer
Every arrival behind Simpson Bay Bridge depends on a bridge movement. Treat the timetable as a planning aid, then verify the live sequence with SLAC and the bridge operator.
Start with the live movement, not a saved timetable
At this review, Port St Maarten lists outbound movements at 08:30, 10:30 and 16:00, and inbound movements at 09:30, 11:30, 14:00 and 17:00. Treat those as planning points, not promises. Maintenance, weather, events or operating instructions can alter the sequence, so recheck the SLAC page and Channel 12 on the day.
Sea Grapes can coordinate a request for a special opening when it is arranged well in advance. Approval and final timing remain with the relevant authority, so neither can be guaranteed.
A bridge movement does not mean the berth is confirmed. Settle berth acceptance and the marina’s arrival procedure before joining the approach.
Make the VHF call useful
SLAC directs vessels to VHF Channel 12. Call with the vessel name, direction of travel and intended marina, then listen for the operator’s instructions. Keep the entrance and fairway clear for outbound traffic and do not infer a place in the sequence from another yacht’s manoeuvre.
The published bridge clearance is about 8.5 feet and varies with the tide. This matters to deck operations and tenders as well as the yacht’s passage plan. Keep personnel clear of moving bridge structures and do not enter until instructed.
- Vessel name and call sign
- Inbound or outbound movement
- Intended marina or next destination
- Any limitation that affects manoeuvring or timing
Respect the published lagoon rules
Current SLAC guidance states a 5 mph maximum in the bridge channel and lagoon, prohibits anchoring in fairways and entrance channels, and identifies IALA Region B buoyage. Those rules do not replace current charts, Notices to Mariners, depth information or the yacht’s own passage plan.
Do not lock in fuel, provisions, contractors or guest transfers until the yacht is through the bridge and accepted at its berth. A changed sequence can also affect outward clearance.
Working checklist
Before the approach
- Settle the berth and marina arrival instructions.
- Send LOA, beam, draft, air draft, GT, ETA and intended marina.
- Check the live SLAC page and intended movement.
- Test VHF Channel 12 and brief the bridge team.
- Use current charts and a vessel-specific passage plan.
- Tell shore teams that bridge timing remains subject to change.
Planning a call?
Send us the vessel details and schedule.
Email the vessel particulars, documents and work list. If timing is tight, give us a call.