Feb 2025
When did you discover your love of the water?
From a very young age. I grew up around the ocean. My father was a fisherman, diver and competitive swimmer.
Before joining IGY, I was a Chief Marine Park Ranger, where I worked for various marine parks throughout the Dutch Caribbean. My job entailed installing and maintaining dive moorings. I was Captain of the marine park patrol vessel and managed education initiatives. I am a certified dive instructor and rescue diver.
Where did you grow up and what were your early ambitions?
I was born on French St. Martin and went to school on Dutch St. Maarten, where I graduated with an electrical engineering degree. My early ambitions were law enforcement. After working in finance for a telecoms company, I qualified in law enforcement and became an environmental police officer where I tackled land-based and water-based environmental infractions. I am now an active Voluntary Korps St. Maarten (VKS) member.
Describe the atmosphere at Yacht Club Isle de Sol and what types of visitors and vessels come here?
Isle de Sol (IDS) is where professionalism meets excitement. It’s fast-paced, competitive, challenging, yet friendly, busy and fun. The marina caters to vessels ranging from 75ft to an impressive 300ft. We always strive to go above and beyond to make certain all client, guest and tenant requests/demands are met. We are trained to meet expectations. No request is too big or too small.
I’ve been fortunate to work under mentorship of incredible leaders like Brian Deher and Andy Caballero, who have provided sound and solid guidance. The late Tommy Decker was also a great mentor. As for visitors to IDS, we get every type of person, including the rich and famous.
You’re responsible for marina security. How do ensure yachts worth tens of millions of dollars, and their owners and crew, are kept safe? 
Via strict enforcement of security protocols, policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regular training drills and exercises. Our unwavering commitment to excellence keeps us at the top of the industry. Yacht owners and captains can relax, knowing that we have everything under control. The IGY-IDS Port Facility Security Plan contains all the necessary security guidelines both for IDS and the neighbouring IGY Simpson Bay Marina (SBM).
What was your first role with IGY and how long have you been with us?
I started off as a Dock Attendant / Assistant Dock Master and worked my way up with dedication and a hands-on approach. I have been working at IDS for over 10 years.
How did you become PFSO / Dock Master?
My hard work didn’t go unnoticed. IGY manager Brian Deher saw my capabilities and potential, and I was promoted to Dock Master. I completed a certification course to become a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO), helping to solidify my role in overseeing this ISPS-certified marina.
What does your current position involve day to day – what are your greatest challenges and what do you most enjoy?
My current day to day position involves overseeing and supervising our security team, both at Isle de Sol and Simpson Bay Marina, and ensuring security protocols are being enforced correctly. IDS is an ISPS-compliant facility which entails additional paperwork and logistics handling.
My duties include hardwiring vessels to an electric pedestal when more than 100amps are required, making sure all vessels coming or leaving IDS with provided with professional, world-class service, and ensuring all guest/client needs are met. I am also a part of the fuelling department and assist with inventory controls and dispensing of fuel. I’m also responsible for maintenance of tenders, docks and golf carts, I supervise dock personnel.
Every task presents a challenge but completing a task for a guest/client and receiving a thumbs up or a smile is a golden moment.
On a personal level, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of my achievements thus far and thankful of IGY for giving me this opportunity, and I am most proud of my family my mother, my brothers and daughter. I am also very proud of being chosen to go to Saudi Arabia to assist the international team at the new IGY Sindalah Marina in the Red Sea.
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime? 
Believe it or not I am a huge gamer. When I am not busy at the marina, you can find me deep into a video game, diving into another world. I’m also passionate about scuba diving, free diving, and spear fishing. Sports have always been a big part of my life. I’ve played baseball, basketball, and cycled at a national level for my country. Whether it’s hiking or working out, I’m always up for an adventure.
If you had access to any yacht in the world for two weeks, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go back to Alaska and do some fishing and enjoy nature there. I would also go back to Mexico and attempt one more cliff dive from one of those huge rocks.
What’s a lesser-known fact about you that would surprise your colleagues?
People might see me as all work, but I do have a fun side! I love a good laugh, and I only take life seriously when it counts.
