Rules, weather and jurisdictions
Sint Maarten or Saint-Martin? Yacht Clearance and Port-Call Differences
Keep Dutch and French clearance, port contacts and logistics separate when a yacht’s itinerary moves between the island’s two jurisdictions.
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2 min
Last reviewed
23 July 2026
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Captain · Purser
Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin share an island and lagoon, not a yacht-clearance system. Decide where the yacht will enter and operate, then keep each jurisdiction’s instructions separate.
One island does not mean one maritime jurisdiction
The absence of a routine land-border check does not make vessel formalities interchangeable. Identify the waters, arrival port, marina and competent clearance authority for every movement, including a change from one side of the lagoon to the other.
On the Dutch side
Government Customs operates at authorized ports, marinas and along the coastline. A Dutch-side lagoon call can also involve SLAC clearance and bridge formalities. Before arrival, check the document pack, location, fees and outward-clearance procedure for that call.
On the French side
The official Port of Saint-Martin states that clearance is mandatory for vessels, begins with online movement reporting and is finalized through the port office. Its published document list includes previous-port clearance, registration, insurance, crew and passenger lists and passports.
Crew and passengers should be declared before disembarking. The port monitors VHF 16 during office hours, but the online submission alone does not complete the clearance. Keep proof of the finalized movement onboard.
Keep cargo, contractors, waste, mooring and weather-alert procedures jurisdiction-specific. Do not advertise blanket duty, visa or fee advice; obtain a written plan for sensitive goods or cross-border movements.
Working checklist
Two-side movement check
- Arrival waters and first port identified.
- Dutch or French arrival authority identified.
- Vessel, crew and passenger documents complete.
- Online and in-person steps checked.
- Berth and bridge requirements checked.
- Cargo and contractor jurisdiction identified.
- Outward clearance for the next port arranged.
- Weather and emergency rules reviewed.
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.