Captain Oliver’s Marina
Oyster Pond, St. Martin
T: 011-590-590-874801
F: 011-590-590-874801 info@thescubashop.net
La Palapa Marina
Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
T: 011-599-545 3213
F: 011-599-545 3209 info@thescubashop.net
Fishing
While you are scuba diving, let your motto be take only photographs and leave only bubbles. Spear fishing and the removal of any items from the sea while scuba diving is generally prohibited, and this is very strictly enforced in Anguilla, St. Barths and Saba in particular. It is only with this strict conservation that we can maintain healthy fish populations around our islands. St. Martin, St. Maarten and St. Barths all have Marine Parks which protect the reef systems with rules and regulations which specifically prohibit spear fishing and removal of any items from the sea while scuba diving and in many cases while snorkeling. In addition, the CITES International Treaty has severe penalties for the transportation of Turtle Shells, Conch Shells and many other sea shells and corals.
Ciguatera Warning - Unfortunately, ciguatera fish poisoning does exist in the areas described in this guide. If transmitted to humans by the consumption of affected fish, it can be very serious. This in itself is a very sound reason for shooting only photographs.
Deep Sea Fishing - Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Marlin can be caught and are delicious to eat. If you are chartering a yacht you can rent a trolling rod or purchase a hand line and lures from our store in Oyster Pond. If you are staying in a hotel on St. Martin / St. Maarten you can join a half or full day deep sea fishing trip.
Marine Parks of Our Islands
The reefs and waters surrounding our islands are all protected by Marine Parks. While some Park's rules are stricter than others, the idea is to conserve our natural resources not to harass you the diver. We do ask that you comply with all Park rules so that you too can enjoy the beauty of our tropical waters for many years to come.
The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten was established in January 1997. Its primary concern is to protect nature, while in the process strengthening its economical and educational value, and potential of its natural resources. This will be done through proper management, education, awareness and protection. [read more]
The Saba National Marine Park was established in 1987 with the objective to preserve and manage Saba's marine resources. The Marine Park was not developed to repair a damaged environment but rather to ensure the continued quality of an extraordinary resource for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone. The Marine Park circles the entire island from the high-water mark to a depth of 60 m (200 feet). [read more]
The Statia Marine Park is defined as the waters surrounding St Eustatius from the high water mark to 30m depth contour. It was designated as Statia Marine Park in 1997 with the objective of conserving and managing the marine resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and future generations. Active management of the Marine Park commenced in 1998. [read more]
St. Barths has joined its sister islands of the Caribbean in their attempt to protect their marine resources. The decree of creation of St. Barths' Marine Reserve was signed, in Paris, on October 10, 1996 by the Prime Minister of France and the French Minister of Environment. [read more]
General Marine Park Rules
Spearfishing, conch and turtle collection is prohibited.
Do not take any corals, plants or animals, alive or dead.
No historic artifacts may be removed.
Do not stand on corals - exercise proper buoyancy control.
Do not anchor on coral or in no anchoring zones.
Do not litter.
Emergency Numbers and Information
Divers Alert Network
Diving Emergencies (Remember: Call local EMS first, then DAN!)
1-919-684-8111
1-919-684-4326 (collect)
1-800-446-2671 (toll-free)
+1-919-684-9111 (Latin America Hotline)
Travel Assistance for Non-Diving Emergencies
1-800-DAN-EVAC (1-800-326-3822)
If outside the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, British or U.S. Virgin Islands, call +1-919-684-3483 (collect).
Hyperbaric Chambers Information
Saba Hyperbaric Facility
Medical Director
Tel: (599) 416 3647 / 417 3604
Dr. Jack Buchanan or David Merritt
Tel: (599) 416 3288
Guadaloupe Hyperbaric Facility
University Hospital, Dr. Perrier or Ducher
Tel: (590) 91 39 39
Emergency Ambulance Service
Tel: (590) 89 11 00
Arrange for transportation to chamber in an up-pressurised aircraft flying no higher than 900 feet or an aircraft pressurised to sea level. If the victim's buddy has dived the same profile, he / she should accompany the victim to the chamber.
