Yacht Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago (YSATT)
Bamboo Forest, Macqueripe Bay

Chaguaramas Environment

Chaguaramas lies in the North West Peninsula of Trinidad west of Port of Spain; the name is often applied to the entire peninsula, but is sometimes used to refer to its most developed area.

The entire peninsula was leased to the United States in 1940 for the construction of a naval base under the Destroyers for Bases Agreement. The base was also used during the early 1960s as a BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System) early warning radar site, as well as a missile tracking site on the U.S. Air Force Eastern Test Range. The base was scaled back in 1956 and the area was returned to Trinidad and Tobago control in 1963.

Chaguaramas has been the center of yachting activity in Trinidad. There are several marinas within the Chaguaramas area which provide repair services or on-land boarding services for yachts. There is also the option to refuel and stock supplies or just moor the yacht at a pier or in a sheltered bay facility and visit the island.

Chaguaramas is also home to the support infrastructure for the oil and gas industries in Trinidad.

The CDA has set aside 52% of the land area in Chaguaramas as Protected Areas forming a pristine natural backdrop of a unique character. An additional 37% designated as restricted use buffer zones, these zones are designed to support conservation management of the Protected Areas.

The beaches and wild areas attract large numbers of Trinis on most weekends. The waters support a fleet of local fishing boats as well as the recreational boater.

Some of YSATT's Achievements

Environmental:

YSATT ensures the viability of the yacht services industry by taking steps to protect the marine environment in the Western Peninsula:

We insist that all member boatyards be equipped with proper disposal and/or recycling facilities for garbage, oil, glass and batteries. We assist cruisers in the event of an oil spill, distributing solvent free of charge

Customer Service:

YSATT works to ensure that the cruiser’s overall experience of Trinidad is a positive one: YSATT acts as a forum for compliments and complaints about every aspect of our industry, but especially about work-related matters. This ensures that you, the member, receives feedback about your service and that the yachtsman does not walk away angry (hopefully!).

YSATT attempts to resolve disputes in a methodical manner with absolute impartiality between members and visitor. The YSATT office serves as a tourism visitor information outlet, supplying maps, information leaflets and advice to visitors on places of interest, scenic routes, shows to attend, etc., i.e. serving to enhance the yacht visitor’s overall experience of Trinidad and Tobago.

Safety:

YSATT works to create a safe environment for both cruisers and members.

Special Events:

YSATT is not all business. We hope that you will take part in the social events that we organise each year, e.g. the Christmas Concert.

Other Activities:

YSATT was instrumental in establishing a Customs and Immigration presence in Chaguaramas.

At a higher level, with the help of the Comptroller of Customs and the Chief Immigration Officer, YSATT has been instrumental in getting our laws adapted to the needs of the yacht service industry.

YSATT lobbied keenly for the introduction of rules that allow cruisers to bring boat parts and related repair materials into Trinidad and Tobago, free of duty and VAT. We are working towards taking this to the next level with the introduction of a bonded warehouse and a single harmonised Immigration clearance form.

YSATT is currently working on several promotional activities:
The production and distribution of an industry brochure development and placement of a print advertisement in regional and international marine media having a presence at several international events. Developing and implementing an annual survey to collect data on the yachting industry educating the general public about the yachting industry to mitigate the negative perceptions about the industry.

We assist cruisers in the event of an oil spill, distributing solvent free of charge, and in the case of the oil spill of September 2000, we coordinated the cruisers’ claims for compensation. We established a Marine Environment Fund to address several environmental issues, e.g. the creation of an oil spill response strategy. We work closely with the oil companies based in Chaguaramas to ensure that their operations do not negatively impact on the industry. We offer advice to all our members on environmental matters. We coordinate an Annual Clean Up Day, which is held on the third Saturday in September to coincide with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Clean Up Day.

YSATT was instrumental in having the anchorage area designated to help control traffic flow and ensure the safety of those at anchor. Moorings are being placed to ensure that boats are safe in the anchorage.