Editor’s Note: Over the weekend, the United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the detention and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with details still emerging around short-term governance and security conditions. While these developments are geographically limited, they have understandably raised questions among travelers, sailors, and cruisers operating in parts of the southern Caribbean.
At this time, we are not aware of any broad restrictions affecting Caribbean travel routes. That said, readers traveling near Venezuelan waters or ports should remain attentive and informed by staying in regular contact with local authorities, marinas, and port officials, monitoring guidance from their home country’s embassy or consulate, and reviewing official travel advisories before making changes to their plans. Compass continues to recommend filing a voluntary float plan with U.S. Southern Command. As always, prudent passage planning, situational awareness, and up-to-date local knowledge remain essential when cruising and traveling in the region.
Southern Caribbean Update for Cruisers
by Joan Conover
president, Seven Seas Cruising Association
There are no confirmed reports of unusual or hostile maritime activity affecting private yachts following recent Venezuela-related events. Regular cruising activity continues, though sailors may notice increased naval and coast guard presence closer to Venezuelan waters. No exclusion zones or navigation restrictions have been announced for international waters.
Sources consulted:
Caribbean Safety and Security Net (incident reporting baseline)
https://thecssn.org/search-incidents/
U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (international maritime security advisories / BNMs)
https://navcen.uscg.gov
U.S. Department of State – Regional security posture
https://travel.state.gov
Some air travel and cruise operations have experienced limited disruption related to regional airspace management, primarily affecting airline routing, crew movements, and some holiday travel. These aviation measures do not indicate port closures. Ports are operating normally in Trinidad & Tobago, the ABC islands, and Colombia.
Sources consulted:
International Civil Aviation Organization (airspace / NOTAM framework)
https://icao.int
Civil Aviation Authority of Trinidad & Tobago
https://caa.gov.tt
Port Authority of Trinidad & Tobago
https://patt.gov.tt
There are no reports of refugee surges or border pressure affecting southern Caribbean states at this time.
Sources consulted:
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – regional coordination statements
https://caricom.org
UNHCR Caribbean – population movement monitoring
https://unhcr.org/caribbean
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) incident database shows no reports or alerts related to Venezuela-linked activity or hostile actions toward private yachts in the southern Caribbean.
Sources consulted:
Caribbean Safety and Security Net (CSSN) – incident database
https://thecssn.org/search-incidents/
The Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard advises:
“Continue normal everyday activities. Patrols and surveillance will continue as usual. Sailors should continue to file float plans when sailing to or from Trinidad & Tobago and the islands north.”
Sources consulted:
Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force – Coast Guard
https://ttdf.mil.tt/Branches/Coast-Guard
Cruisers are encouraged to maintain prudent offshore clearance, monitor VHF radio, and avoid unnecessary interaction with military or law-enforcement operations. Increased coast-guard visibility is expected and precautionary.
Sources consulted:
Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard public guidance
https://ttdf.mil.tt/Branches/Coast-Guard
U.S. Coast Guard – international boating safety best practices
https://uscgboating.org
