In the Caribbean Netherlands, call +599 9 463 7700. Local short number: 913 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) covers the waters of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius; search and rescue is coordinated 24/7 by its Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Curaçao.
Government of Sint Maarten · Government of Sint Maarten ▾
sintmaartengov.org (2026-10-14): “Therefore the DCCG provides services in the territorial waters around the countries Aruba, Curacao & Sint Maarten and the municipalities Bonaire, Saba & Sint Eustatius as well as in the adjacent zones and high seas of the Caribbean Sea.”
sintmaartengov.org (2026-10-14): “The JRCC is located on Curacao and delivers 24/7 coordination capability.”
Weather and season
Meteo Curaçao (Meteorological Department Curaçao) provides the meteorological service for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
Meteorological Department Curaçao ▾
meteo.cw (2026-10-14): “Furthermore Meteo Curaçao provides services for other Caribbean islands (namely Bonaire, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and Saba) within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
Hurricane season is 1 June – 30 November.
NOAA National Hurricane Center · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
nhc.noaa.gov (2026-10-14, intl): “The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Atlantic basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of America.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November.”
Official warnings
Bonaire: anchoring is prohibited in the Bonaire National Marine Park (all the light-blue water around the island, out to 75 m from shore) — use the moorings; speed limit 10 km/h in the park.
STINAPA Bonaire (manager of Bonaire National Marine Park) · STINAPA Bonaire (manager of Bonaire National Marine Park) · STINAPA Bonaire (manager of Bonaire National Marine Park) ▾
stinapabonaire.org (2026-10-14): “All rules and regulations mentioned are applicable to the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP). BNMP consists of all light blue waters surrounding Bonaire (75m from shore).”
stinapabonaire.org (2026-10-14): “Anchoring Alert: While prohibited, small traditional fisher boats (not exceeding 4m) may anchor using coral stones.”
stinapabonaire.org (2026-10-14): “In the Marine Park: Cruise at a maximum of 10 km/hr”
Divers: recompression
Bonaire has a recompression chamber, run by the Foundation Recompression Chamber Bonaire with San Francisco Hospital (Kralendijk). In an emergency dial 911 or call the hospital, +599 715 8900.
Tourism Corporation Bonaire · Foundation Recompression Chamber Bonaire ▾
bonaireisland.com (2026-10-14): “In the event of diving emergencies, Bonaire has a Recompression Chamber”
o2bonaire.com (2026-10-14): “Emergencies dial 911 or contact St Francisco Hospital +599 7158900”
Arriving by boat
Leisure vessels not registered on the island of arrival must report their arrival to Customs Caribbean Netherlands immediately; Customs says recreational vessels report via the Regional Clearance System (RCS) and/or SailClear, at least 24 hours before arrival at the seaport.
Douane Caribisch Nederland (Customs Caribbean Netherlands) · Douane Caribisch Nederland (Customs Caribbean Netherlands) · Douane Caribisch Nederland (Customs Caribbean Netherlands) ▾
english.belastingdienst-cn.nl (2026-10-14): “Leisure vessels and sports aircraft not registered on the island of arrival must immediately report their arrival to Douane Caribisch Nederland.”
What number do I call for help at sea in the Caribbean Netherlands?+
In the Caribbean Netherlands, call +599 9 463 7700. Local short number: 913 — it may not connect from a foreign SIM, so the full number comes first. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in the Caribbean Netherlands?+
The general emergency number in the Caribbean Netherlands is 911. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for the Caribbean Netherlands. In a sea emergency, call +599 9 463 7700.
Why a full number and not the short code 913?+
Short codes like 913 are routed by local phone networks and may not connect from a foreign SIM card while roaming. The full number +599 9 463 7700 reaches the same service from any phone.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in the Caribbean Netherlands?+
Hurricane season is 1 June – 30 November.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for the Caribbean Netherlands?+
Meteo Curaçao (Meteorological Department Curaçao) provides the meteorological service for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
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