Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard to Expand Personnel and Equipment in 2025

THE HAGUE – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard will strengthen its capabilities with additional personnel and new equipment, according to the 2025 Annual Plan submitted by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans to the Dutch Parliament. 

New Equipment and Expanded Workforce 

The upgrades include the replacement of cutters and the shore-based radar network in the Windward Islands. Additionally, the Coast Guard is undergoing a significant expansion, with several new positions set to be filled in the coming months. Recruiting specialized personnel is one of the key challenges, and efforts will be made to hire locally from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom whenever possible. 

Challenges in the Caribbean Region 

The annual report also outlines major environmental factors influencing Coast Guard operations. The Caribbean region faces multiple geopolitical, socio-economic, and climatic challenges. Among them: 

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela, which has destabilizing effects on the region, including irregular migration from South America. 

Transnational organized crime, particularly drug and human trafficking. 

Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, which periodically threaten the region. 

These factors directly impact the Coast Guard's responsibilities and the need for increased vigilance and preparedness. 

Role of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard 

The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in maritime law enforcement across the Dutch Caribbean, serving Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. In addition to search and rescue operations, the Coast Guard is responsible for: 

Drug enforcement 

General policing and border security 

Counterterrorism measures 

Environmental law enforcement 

Combating human smuggling and trafficking 

With these new reinforcements, the Coast Guard aims to enhance security and stability across the Caribbean region.




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