STATIA--St. Eustatius is taking an important step toward strengthening its maritime emergency response capabilities, with eight volunteers successfully completing six days of specialized training aimed at preparing them to serve aboard the island's search and rescue vessel.
The training, conducted by the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) and organized by the Saba Statia Search and Rescue (SAR) Foundation, represents a major step toward establishing a fully operational volunteer rescue team capable of responding to emergencies at sea.
Conducted over two three-day sessions, the training focused on familiarizing volunteers with the safe operation of the island's rescue vessel, its equipment and the procedures required during maritime rescue operations.
The eight volunteers are expected to undergo additional training in January 2027, when an advanced search and rescue course is scheduled to take place.
The participants were selected by Andre Bennett, Crisis Manager for the Government of St. Eustatius, and Randy Paskel, Head of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard Support Station in St. Maarten.
The group comprises community members and civil servants with professional backgrounds in project management, technical maintenance, hospitality, science and education.
The diversity of experience within the team is expected to contribute to both the operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the island's search and rescue service.
KNRM trainer Sander Boerssen expressed satisfaction with the volunteers' performance and commitment throughout the training sessions.
“This group brings real energy and a strong willingness to learn,” Boerssen said. “They have made a very promising start, and I look forward to working with them again in January.”
Managing Director of the Saba Statia SAR Foundation, Hans Schreuder, also welcomed the progress, emphasizing that the volunteers' varied professional experiences will strengthen the organization beyond its immediate rescue responsibilities.
“Because of their diverse backgrounds, these volunteers will contribute far more than operating the boat and rescuing people. Their skills will help us build a strong and sustainable SAR organisation for Sint Eustatius,” Schreuder said.
Alongside the training activities, the Foundation unveiled its search and rescue truck, which was donated by Statia's Crisis Management Organisation.
The vehicle now features the rescue service's distinctive orange colors and striping, making it easily recognizable as part of the island's emergency response resources.
The truck complements the Foundation's rescue vessel,Nora, which was received in 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen local maritime search and rescue capabilities.
Together, the equipment and volunteer training represent important investments in the island's ability to respond to emergencies involving vessels and individuals at sea.
With the first phase of training completed and advanced instruction scheduled for January, the Saba Statia SAR Foundation is working toward havingNorafully operational with a trained volunteer crew during the first quarter of 2027.
The initiative will strengthen St. Eustatius' local emergency response capacity while building a volunteer organization supported by residents with different professional skills and a shared commitment to public safety.
The development also reflects the importance of community participation in emergency preparedness, particularly for a small island where timely assistance during maritime incidents can be critical.
Once operational, the trained crew and dedicated rescue vessel are expected to provide Statia with an important additional resource for responding to emergencies at sea.
