St. Maarten’s launch of the MOBI app, a digital platform that strengthens maritime security and supports compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code (see related story), seems like good news. It was made possible through cooperation with the Kingdom Maritime Administration (KMA), the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Amsterdam.
Being the first Dutch Caribbean island to do so confirms the local yachting sector’s prominent position within the region. The application is designed to digitise and streamline key maritime security processes, including incident reporting, document management, inspections, ISPS audits and compliance monitoring.
According to a release, by providing secure and real-time access to critical information, the platform improves coordination among maritime stakeholders and enhances situational awareness across the sector. Its implementation is said to mark an important step in efforts to modernise the country’s maritime security framework and meet international obligations under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
It’s important that introduction of the MOBI app was supported by a series of stakeholder sessions held in April. Representatives from government agencies, port operators, and other maritime partners reportedly participated in practical demonstrations and technical discussions focused on the app’s day-to-day use and operational benefits.
Feedback gathered during these activities is to help guide the next phase of implementation. As Minister of Tourism. Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten pointed out, “by engaging stakeholders early and ensuring they understand how the application works in practice, we are laying the foundation for effective and sustainable implementation.”
Aruba is set to launch the app in September. For St. Maarten, a leading role in the marine industry promotes diversification within the tourism economy by having strong stay-over, cruise as well as yachting segments, in effect making it of a three- rather than one-pillar nature.
But other destinations in the area including Anguilla with its new marina under construction are not sitting still, so these kinds of advances can help maintain that competitive edge. After all, getting to the top is one thing, staying there quite another.
