Seventeen participants have successfully completed the intermediate training for Real World Drone Operations hosted by Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) and Office of Disaster Management (ODM), marking another important step in strengthening Sint Maarten’s emergency response and disaster recovery capabilities. The training served as a continuation of the beginner Drone Pilot course hosted in 2025.
Participants represented several key sectors that play a critical role during emergencies and post
disaster operations, including the Police Force (KPSM), Fire Department, VKS, VSA, and the utility
sector. The newly trained drone operators are expected to support future Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) activities and field operations across the country.
The intensive training program was conducted by five professional instructors from the Curaçao based
company “Drone by CDS Academy” and was well received by all participants. The course focused on
flight preparation, drone hardware and software systems, advanced flying techniques, building
assessments, search and rescue operations, the planning and execution of drone missions, and
operational reporting.
Drone technology continues to prove to be an efficient and valuable tool in disaster management and
emergency response. Its capabilities include rapid damage assessments, network and infrastructure
inspections, search and rescue support, safety monitoring, payload deliveries, fire assessments, and
other critical emergency support functions.
BTP Director Judianne Hoeve stated, “With a skilled local drone force, Sint Maarten is now better
equipped to deploy its own teams during disasters and emergency situations. Having trained
personnel on island allows for faster response, improved situational awareness, and better decision
making for the EOC during critical moments.”
The Director further emphasized the importance of developing local capacity, noting that the
unfortunate ongoing missing person situation in Saba serves as a reminder of how valuable drone
technology and trained operators can be during emergency situations and search operations. “This
situation reminds us why it is so important to continue building local capacity and developing a
dedicated drone force that can assist in any emergency scenario. Drones can become the eyes of the
EOC by providing immediate information that greatly improves operational coordination and
decision making,” the Director added.
BTP and ODM congratulated all seventeen participants who successfully completed the training and
received their certificates. Their dedication and commitment to strengthening national preparedness
and emergency response capabilities are highly commendable.
