The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN)
By
CSSN
—
last modified
Apr 05, 2014 09:02 AM
The voice net for CSSN has now been discontinued as
from 1st April 2014. However, their website,
www.safetyandsecuritynet.com continues to be updated.
Published: 2014-04-05 00:00:00
Topics: Communications , Piracy
Countries: Anguilla , Antigua & Barbuda , Aruba , Bahamas , Barbados , Bonaire , British Virgin Islands , Cayman Islands , Cuba , Curacao , Dominica , Dominican Republic , Grenada , Guadeloupe , Haiti , Jamaica , Martinique , Montserrat , Puerto Rico , Saba , Sint Maarten , Spanish Virgin Islands , St Barts , St Kitts & Nevis , St Lucia , St Martin , St Vincent & the Grenadines , Statia , Trinidad & Tobago , Turks & Caicos
Topics: Communications , Piracy
Countries: Anguilla , Antigua & Barbuda , Aruba , Bahamas , Barbados , Bonaire , British Virgin Islands , Cayman Islands , Cuba , Curacao , Dominica , Dominican Republic , Grenada , Guadeloupe , Haiti , Jamaica , Martinique , Montserrat , Puerto Rico , Saba , Sint Maarten , Spanish Virgin Islands , St Barts , St Kitts & Nevis , St Lucia , St Martin , St Vincent & the Grenadines , Statia , Trinidad & Tobago , Turks & Caicos
The Caribbean Safety and Security net (CSSN) was started
by cruisers 17 years ago and has been “staffed” by many dedicated
volunteers over the course of it history.
It is open to anyone who has access to the Internet. It has adapted and evolved over the years in content and format as new needs became apparent, and new technology opened up new communications channels.
CSSN remains dedicated to maintaining a centralized data source, collecting and disseminating accurate current and historic information about safety and security issues that affect yachts in the Caribbean, allowing everyone to make informed decisions about their cruising destinations.
Visit the website at www.safetyandsecuritynet.com .
The global site for cruising sailors
It is open to anyone who has access to the Internet. It has adapted and evolved over the years in content and format as new needs became apparent, and new technology opened up new communications channels.
CSSN remains dedicated to maintaining a centralized data source, collecting and disseminating accurate current and historic information about safety and security issues that affect yachts in the Caribbean, allowing everyone to make informed decisions about their cruising destinations.
Visit the website at www.safetyandsecuritynet.com .
The global site for cruising sailors
Venezuela - Profile
Facts
- Lying on the direct route to Panama and also being rarely affected by hurricanes, the Venezuelan coast and particularly the offlying islands are a convenient cruising destination. The islands abound in picturesque anchorages and diving is excellent almost everywhere, particularly among the scores of islets and cays of Los Roques . The Venzuelans are friendly and there is little tourism or charter boats to spoil the anchorages.
- Sadly however, the number of foreign yachts visiting Venezuela has declined substantially in the last few years, not only due to the high crime rate but concerns over the unstable government, corrupt officials, high consumer prices, widespread shortages and so on.
- The Delta of the Orinoco has been popular with cruising boats in the past as much of it can be explored by keeled boats (see security advice below for this region).
- Those interested in the mountainous interior can leave their boats in the safety of one of the many marinas.
- Venezuela is cheaper when provisioning for price controlled goods, such as fuel, beef, chicken and coffee, but little else.
- Repair facilities are generally good and the prices competitive since labour costs are low; however, a written estimate should be obtained before embarking on any major work. There are good repair facilities and several boatyards in Cumaná, however be sure to check on the current situation as in the past there have been a number of attacks on yachts here.
- The majority of cruising yachts that need work done choose Puerto La Cruz where there are haulout facilities and spare parts can be obtained. Puerto La Cruz has now become the boating capital of Venezuela as far as foreign vessels are concerned, due to the good shipyards and marinas that have opened in recent years. Security is good also.
- The Venezuelan Coastguard (Guardia) do on occasion stop boats for spot inspections. They will ask the name of vessel, ask to see your boat papers and perhaps inspect the boat. If all is correct you are free to go. If something is found to be wrong they can and will ask you to return to their port. Local cruisers advise however that the Guardia are not well trained in seamanship or piloting and the Captain should use discretion and only follow their orders if he/she feels it is safe to do so.
Security
March 2015: Due to the political
and economic situation in Venezuela, it is recommended that yachts
intending to visit Venezuela consider their options carefully. The lack
of food and soaring inflation rate has made the country very unstable.
The USA has declared a national security emergency, therefore all US
yachts, or those carrying US citizens, are considered at this time to be
at high risk.
See CSSN report for more details.
See the latest Foreign Office advice here.
In recent years, Venezuela has seen a decline in the number of visiting yachts due to the steadily deteriorating safety situation. In certain areas (in particular Margarita and Testigos) there have been an increasing number of muggings, robberies and even knife attacks reported by visiting sailors, which have caused many to avoid this beautiful country and change their cruising plans for elsewhere.
It is not so much the number of attacks that cause concern, but the violent nature of these attacks. However, it is important to remember that with a coastline of nearly 1800 miles and 100’s of offshore islands, Venezuela is a vast cruising area, and whilst there are some parts that should perhaps still be avoided or at least approached with care, there are other areas that are safe to cruise where sailors do not encounter any problems.
Also keep in mind that because of security considerations very few foreign yachts now visit Venezuela, so when you read of something happening to a yacht there, it is happening within the context of a much smaller population than the same incident in the Eastern Caribbean.
Perhaps the "safest" places to anchor in Venezuela are Los Roques, Isla de la Blanquilla (as it permanently has the guardia nacional sited here) and the islands of Aves de Sotavento and Barlovento. If considering other places, it is recommended to consult ONSA's webpage.
Whilst noonsite has received reports that the Venezuelan Coastguard are patrolling eastward along the Paria Peninsula, a cruising yacht was boarded by pirates here in November 2013 (see below). The Paria Peninsula where this incident occurred has been the site of several other violent piracy attacks, one of them fatal. Cruisers should fully consider the risks before traveling in this area and those using “buddy boats” should have firm, agreed plans in place for routing and regular communications as well as emergency communications and response plans for use before, during and after any perceived threat or event.
General advice from cruisers here is "don't let the beautiful surroundings put you off guard". Be careful not to flash money around and be sure to secure all items on deck and always lift and lock the dinghy and outboard at night, wherever you are in the Caribbean.
In 2012, two attacks were reported:
The first a boarding, violent attack and robbery off the NE coast - see here.
The second a boarding and armed robbery at gunpoint in the Orinoco Delta - see here.
In 2013, one fatal attack and one pirate attack were reported:
Dutch skipper shot on board trying to resist a robbery in Porlamar, Isla Margarita - see here.
Boarded by pirates, robbed and attacked off the Paria Peninsula - see here.
If cruising the Manamo/Orinoco area of Venezulea, locals advise that visiting yachts SHOULD NOT go to villages or towns like Boca de Uracoa. Stay between the very friendly and peaceful Warao people and at the Eco Lodges, of which there are several in the region.
Free Cruising Guides have completed the Caribbean Security Index (CSI) review of 2013 and updated the country ratings. The latest update of the CSI contains new information that may be important to you to “route around crime.”
See this report athttp://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy/caribbean-crime-caribbean-security-index-csi-review-of-2013
Check the Noonsite Piracy pages the Caribbean Safety Net and ONSA for information on the current situation.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) gather information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behaviour and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have information about a security incident, as well as contacting Noonsite please also forward details to the Caribbean Safety and Security Net, as theirs is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors on the net. Please be sure to include boat name, date of incident and anchorage/port where the incident took place.
Last updated March 2015.
See CSSN report for more details.
See the latest Foreign Office advice here.
In recent years, Venezuela has seen a decline in the number of visiting yachts due to the steadily deteriorating safety situation. In certain areas (in particular Margarita and Testigos) there have been an increasing number of muggings, robberies and even knife attacks reported by visiting sailors, which have caused many to avoid this beautiful country and change their cruising plans for elsewhere.
It is not so much the number of attacks that cause concern, but the violent nature of these attacks. However, it is important to remember that with a coastline of nearly 1800 miles and 100’s of offshore islands, Venezuela is a vast cruising area, and whilst there are some parts that should perhaps still be avoided or at least approached with care, there are other areas that are safe to cruise where sailors do not encounter any problems.
Also keep in mind that because of security considerations very few foreign yachts now visit Venezuela, so when you read of something happening to a yacht there, it is happening within the context of a much smaller population than the same incident in the Eastern Caribbean.
Perhaps the "safest" places to anchor in Venezuela are Los Roques, Isla de la Blanquilla (as it permanently has the guardia nacional sited here) and the islands of Aves de Sotavento and Barlovento. If considering other places, it is recommended to consult ONSA's webpage.
Whilst noonsite has received reports that the Venezuelan Coastguard are patrolling eastward along the Paria Peninsula, a cruising yacht was boarded by pirates here in November 2013 (see below). The Paria Peninsula where this incident occurred has been the site of several other violent piracy attacks, one of them fatal. Cruisers should fully consider the risks before traveling in this area and those using “buddy boats” should have firm, agreed plans in place for routing and regular communications as well as emergency communications and response plans for use before, during and after any perceived threat or event.
General advice from cruisers here is "don't let the beautiful surroundings put you off guard". Be careful not to flash money around and be sure to secure all items on deck and always lift and lock the dinghy and outboard at night, wherever you are in the Caribbean.
In 2012, two attacks were reported:
The first a boarding, violent attack and robbery off the NE coast - see here.
The second a boarding and armed robbery at gunpoint in the Orinoco Delta - see here.
In 2013, one fatal attack and one pirate attack were reported:
Dutch skipper shot on board trying to resist a robbery in Porlamar, Isla Margarita - see here.
Boarded by pirates, robbed and attacked off the Paria Peninsula - see here.
If cruising the Manamo/Orinoco area of Venezulea, locals advise that visiting yachts SHOULD NOT go to villages or towns like Boca de Uracoa. Stay between the very friendly and peaceful Warao people and at the Eco Lodges, of which there are several in the region.
Free Cruising Guides have completed the Caribbean Security Index (CSI) review of 2013 and updated the country ratings. The latest update of the CSI contains new information that may be important to you to “route around crime.”
See this report athttp://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy/caribbean-crime-caribbean-security-index-csi-review-of-2013
Check the Noonsite Piracy pages the Caribbean Safety Net and ONSA for information on the current situation.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) gather information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behaviour and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have information about a security incident, as well as contacting Noonsite please also forward details to the Caribbean Safety and Security Net, as theirs is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors on the net. Please be sure to include boat name, date of incident and anchorage/port where the incident took place.
Last updated March 2015.
ONSA - For Maritime Safety in Venezuela
ONSA - the non-governmental national organization for search and
rescue and maritime safety in the aquatic spaces of Venezuela – publish a
"Risk Zones" map. They recommend that visiting cruisers view the map
before deciding where to cruise in Venezuela. The areas where recent
attacks have taken place are classed by ONSA as "High Risk Zones".
Weather
Venezuela has a tropical climate and there is little
change between the seasons, although it is drier from December to
April. The northern coast and offlying islands are under the influence
of the NE trade winds, which blow strongly between December and April.
Summer winds are lighter and Venezuela is very rarely affected by
tropical storms.
Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrologia (in Spanish)
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrologia (in Spanish)
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
Main Ports
Carenero *
,
Carupano *
,
Cumaná (Puerto Sucre) *
,
Gulf of Cariaco
,
La Guaira & Caraballeda *
,
Los Monjes
,
Los Roques
,
Los Testigos *
,
Pampatar, Margarita *
,
Porlamar, Margarita *
,
Puerto Cabello
,
Puerto La Cruz *
* indicates port of entry
The global site for cruising sailors
12 meters or less is $7 US.
The costs go up if you are larger.
Every week you stay on the Dutch side costs $20 US.
Dutch C/I is at the Bridge and you actually see 2 people (not 3).
It costs 5 Euros each day to anchor in Marigot Bay on the French Side with an initial charge of 20 Euros when you first arrive, if you anchor in Marigot Bay. There is no charge for anchoring anywhere else on the French Side, either outside or inside the Lagoon.
The channel from the French side bridge has shifted because of hurricane Gonzolo and varies because the marks are also missing. It is best to enter through the Dutch side bridge and then go through the new Causeway bridge to the French Side. There is no charge for the French Side bridge.
Most people come in the Dutch Side and then decide either to anchor or just proceed to the French Side and check in, once in the lagoon. Or you can just anchor in Marigot Bay with lots of room (because of the daily charge).
We left Sint Maarten/St. Martin 3 days ago so this information is current.
* indicates port of entry
The global site for cruising sailors
Sections
St Martin - Profile
Facts
- One of the northern Leeward Islands, St Martin is part of the French overseas départment of Guadeloupe, while Sint Maarten, which occupies the southern half of the same island, is Dutch, part of the Netherlands Antilles.
- Both tourism and yachting have developed at a great rate during the last decade.
- Port Lonvilliers marina is the best hurricane hole on the island, being completely enclosed and offering protection from every direction.
- Overall, repair facilities and chandleries are somewhat better on the Dutch side of the island. There are more cruiser bars and cheaper places to eat out as well.
- NOTE: Both sides of the island use the IALA-B (green to port) buoyage system.
Security
March 2015: Locked dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be a problem in the Lagoon, St. Martin.
February 2014: Multiple crimes against cruisers. See Report.
December 2013: Several anchored yachts were robbed at night while in Simpson Bay. Police admitted this has been an ongoing problem for the last 12 months. See Report.
December 2012: A female skipper was attacked ashore and robbed after checking-in at Marigot Bay.
June 2012: Since May, a great deal of thefts from yachts in Marigot Bay and Marina Fort Louis (mainly electronics, dinghies and outboards).
May 2012: Over 30 dinghies have been reported stolen on the local cruiser's net in Grand Case over the last month, many from boats at anchor during the night along with outboards.
April 2012: There has been a spate of dinghy thefts from the dinghy dock at Marigot Bay.
See reports adjacent.
Dinghy and outboard thefts, plus opportunist theft from yachts, is a common occurrence in St. Martin and appears to be on the increase. Yachts visiting St. Martin should take every available precaution, including good security mechanisms on the dinghy, and possibly consider not being away from the yacht after dark.
Sadly it seems that petty theft and crime against cruisers has also spread ashore. Cruisers should be sure to find out the whereabouts of un-safe neighbourhoods from fellow cruisers beforehand and to not walk ashore alone.
Free Cruising Guides have completed the Caribbean Security Index (CSI) review of 2013 and updated the country ratings. The latest update of the CSI contains new information that may be important to you to “route around crime.”
See this report athttp://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy/caribbean-crime-caribbean-security-index-csi-review-of-2013
Check the Noonsite Piracy Pages and the Caribbean Safety & Security Net for information on the current island situation.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) gather information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behaviour and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have suffered a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the "Report an Incident" icon. The associated form is quick and simple to complete and ensures that all the necessary details are reported. The CSSN is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors on the net. Remember, it is every cruiser's responsibility to ensure that incidents are reported.
Last updated March 2015.
February 2014: Multiple crimes against cruisers. See Report.
December 2013: Several anchored yachts were robbed at night while in Simpson Bay. Police admitted this has been an ongoing problem for the last 12 months. See Report.
December 2012: A female skipper was attacked ashore and robbed after checking-in at Marigot Bay.
June 2012: Since May, a great deal of thefts from yachts in Marigot Bay and Marina Fort Louis (mainly electronics, dinghies and outboards).
May 2012: Over 30 dinghies have been reported stolen on the local cruiser's net in Grand Case over the last month, many from boats at anchor during the night along with outboards.
April 2012: There has been a spate of dinghy thefts from the dinghy dock at Marigot Bay.
See reports adjacent.
Dinghy and outboard thefts, plus opportunist theft from yachts, is a common occurrence in St. Martin and appears to be on the increase. Yachts visiting St. Martin should take every available precaution, including good security mechanisms on the dinghy, and possibly consider not being away from the yacht after dark.
Sadly it seems that petty theft and crime against cruisers has also spread ashore. Cruisers should be sure to find out the whereabouts of un-safe neighbourhoods from fellow cruisers beforehand and to not walk ashore alone.
Free Cruising Guides have completed the Caribbean Security Index (CSI) review of 2013 and updated the country ratings. The latest update of the CSI contains new information that may be important to you to “route around crime.”
See this report athttp://www.noonsite.com/General/Piracy/caribbean-crime-caribbean-security-index-csi-review-of-2013
Check the Noonsite Piracy Pages and the Caribbean Safety & Security Net for information on the current island situation.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (safetyandsecuritynet@gmail.com) gather information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behaviour and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have suffered a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the "Report an Incident" icon. The associated form is quick and simple to complete and ensures that all the necessary details are reported. The CSSN is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors on the net. Remember, it is every cruiser's responsibility to ensure that incidents are reported.
Last updated March 2015.
Weather
http://www.antiguamet.com/Antigua
and Barbuda Meteorological Office providing public weather forecasts
for Antigua & Barbuda, the Leeward Islands and the BVIs.
SMX Cyclone (in French - marine weather & cylone warnings)
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
SMX Cyclone (in French - marine weather & cylone warnings)
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page.
Main Ports
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Sue Richards
says:
Jan 18, 2014 08:24 PM
Jan. 17, 2014 - French bridge currently
experiencing problems and appears to not be opening (our friends had to
go out the other bridge yesterday). Dutch Bridge has new times not shown
in cruising guides and most web sites. New times effective Nov 15 are
posted here
www.smyc.com/content/new-simpson-bay-causeway-bridge-opening-hours
(these match what the Dutch bridge authority gave us last week).
SY Day Dreamer
SY Day Dreamer
MBujnoch
says:
Feb 27, 2014 02:06 AM
The morning opening time for the Sandy Ground
Bridge (French side entrance to lagoon) has been changed from 0815 to
0900. There is no monitoring of any VHF channel by this bridge. Best
bet to verify times is to hail Shrimpys (morning net controller) on
channel 10.
Sue Richards
says:
The fee for entering through the Dutch side bridge depends on length.
Feb 09, 2015 10:19 PM
12 meters or less is $7 US.
The costs go up if you are larger.
Every week you stay on the Dutch side costs $20 US.
Dutch C/I is at the Bridge and you actually see 2 people (not 3).
It costs 5 Euros each day to anchor in Marigot Bay on the French Side with an initial charge of 20 Euros when you first arrive, if you anchor in Marigot Bay. There is no charge for anchoring anywhere else on the French Side, either outside or inside the Lagoon.
The channel from the French side bridge has shifted because of hurricane Gonzolo and varies because the marks are also missing. It is best to enter through the Dutch side bridge and then go through the new Causeway bridge to the French Side. There is no charge for the French Side bridge.
Most people come in the Dutch Side and then decide either to anchor or just proceed to the French Side and check in, once in the lagoon. Or you can just anchor in Marigot Bay with lots of room (because of the daily charge).
We left Sint Maarten/St. Martin 3 days ago so this information is current.
