Welcome to the Caribbean!  The Caribbean Marine Association is the non-profit, umbrella organization for the yacht trade services the Caribbean. 

Always on the forefront of everyone’s minds, particularly in a foreign country is the issue of safety and security and we advise that you take certain precautions, as you would anywhere:

Always ensure that your boat is properly locked and secured at all times.
 

Do not anchor your boat in deserted anchorages.
 

Ensure that you hire contractors known to the boatyards, the local marine trades association and other cruisers.  Do not hire someone “off the street” to do work for you.
 

Become acquainted with the cruisers around you, look out for suspicious behaviour by unknown persons and let your neighbours know.
 

Be aware of your surroundings when handling cash and/or credit cards in public places (ATMs, banks, shops etc.)  As always, it is preferable not to carry large sums of cash with you; leave your cash in a safe place: the bank, hotel safe boxes, or ask your boatyard/marina if they provide services for securing valuables.
 

Do not invite strangers onto your vessel.  People met in bars may not be as friendly as they first appeared.
 

Pull your dinghies out of the water at night and make sure that they are properly locked to your vessel.  Dinghy and outboard motor theft ranks amongst the highest yacht related crimes committed in the Caribbean.
 

Travel in groups as much as you can – particularly when taking public transportation or walking on the road
 

The use of controlled drugs such as cocaine, marijuana etc. is against the law.  If you are approached to buy these drugs firmly decline.  Breaking these laws carry stiff penalties – not just fines but prison sentences.
 

Report all incidences of crime to the relevant authorities.