SNSM: local businesses are rallying round
In response to the difficulties faced by the SNSM in Saint-Martin, four local companies – Arawak Charters, Captain Jo, Caribbean Marines and Funseaker – have decided to lend their support to help fund a new boat, which is essential for the station to continue its operations. Last Wednesday, they presented a cheque for €10,000 to the SNSM.
The National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM), a charity recognised as being of public utility, operates under the operational authority of the maritime prefects and the regional operational centres for surveillance and rescue (CROSS). It carries out operations all year round, day and night and in all weathers, relying solely on volunteer crews. Its budget is 73% funded by private donations and 10% by government funds. Regions, departments and local authorities contribute the remainder, covering 50% of essential investments such as boats, thereby helping to maintain equipment vital for saving lives and ensuring the safety of rescuers. This system is based on a republican principle of local authorities contributing to the renewal of sea rescue resources.
A station in danger
In Saint-Martin, the SNSM carries out around fifteen operations a year, making it one of the busiest stations in the Caribbean. In July 2025, Hélène Debruge, the chair of the local station, alerted the Collectivité to the urgency of the situation; the current boat, which is 32 years old, has reached the end of its service life and repairs have been halted as they have become too costly. Logically, she asked the Collectivité to release €100,000 to enable the purchase of a fully equipped 10-metre RIB. Estimated at €450,000, the boat will also be funded by donations and the State. To date, the Collectivité has still not responded. This expenditure does not appear to be a priority, whilst short-lived events, local markets or festivals benefit from substantial budgets or grants, the amounts of which would be sufficient to fund the boat.
At national level, the issue has become a priority for the SNSM. In Paris, the matter is constantly being raised at government level, particularly with the Prime Minister’s office and the General Secretariat for the Sea, in an attempt to find solutions.
During his last visit to the West Indies in March, the national president of the SNSM, who had come to bless Guadeloupe’s new patrol boat and Saint-Barth’s new RIB (funded to the tune of €100,000 by the Collectivité and €100,000 by the company Le Ponant), stated that Saint Martin’s boat would be withdrawn by the end of the year, thereby bringing the station’s operations to a close. At the meeting organised to mark his visit to Saint Martin, there was just one notable absence: the President of the Collectivité.
There is clearly no political will to maintain the island’s maritime resources, despite several vessels being affected; the customs vessel is suffering increasing damage, as is that of the marine brigade, and the fire brigade no longer has an operational vessel.
The initiative by the companies Arawak Charters, Captain Jo, Caribbean Marines and Funseaker, each of which contributed €2,500, demonstrates the solidarity of the maritime community, but is not enough.
The donor companies, all of which are directly affected by their line of work, regret that the profession is not doing more to help. They believe that the SNSM suffers from a lack of recognition, despite the increasing number of awareness-raising campaigns. For the chairwoman, this gesture aims to show the Collectivité that there are patrons, whilst emphasising the need for public commitment. Funding from the Collectivité remains essential.
