Become a Volunteer

Introduction

Marlin Yard stands for sustainability, safeguarding and laying the foundation to maintain ecological lifestyles, thereby reducing the ecological footprint. In addition, Marlin Yard has a desire and goal to contribute to the reconstruction of natural disaster-stricken areas and to help those in need to implement the sustainable lifestyle.

Mission

Our mission is to prevent and / or mitigate human suffering from natural disasters, to stimulate and contribute to self-reliance and to strengthen human resilience in affected areas. Our focus is on the Hurricane Belt in the Caribbean region, with special focus on people who are most vulnerable, people who have little or no access to healthy food, who would not survive or survive poorly without our help, or whose living situation would be miserable and without health assistance would be endangered due to natural disasters. Our mission has only been accomplished by helping to build and teach people to build ecologically responsible homes that are hurricane, earthquake and fire resistant, to set up efficient and effective agricultural activities, to promote sustainable entrepreneurship so that profit-sharing opportunities (crowd profits sharing) are created among communities.

We offer our assistance together with a group of volunteers from all over the world whose intentions are to show their goodwill towards those whom are in great need of help by becoming volunteers.

Marlin Yard created a community that carries out principles of a socialistic society, meaning all work, its location facilities and profit are shared by its members. Marlin Yard Volunteers Program holds Office in The Netherlands but represents it’s Volunteers Program Center in Sint Maarten Dutch West Indies for Sint Maarten functions as the hub throughout the Caribbean.  

Marlin Yard is responsible for its volunteers, and provides them with any help they might need from the moment they arrive until they leave the Volunteer Center. Since 2013 volunteers have arrived in Sint Maarten and contributed to the needs of the Marlin Yard Volunteers Program which offers in return an exciting and unique working holiday experience. A holiday with the possibility to meet, live and work with both Caribbean locals as well as with other volunteers from countries and cultures from far and near.

The Volunteer Center

At the Volunteer Center, the staff is always available and willing to answer any questions and/or request that the volunteers might have. Their primary target is to create the perfect match between volunteers and initiative thereby creating a situation where both benefit from each other.

What is a Volunteer Center? It’s a place where volunteers work and or live together as a community. The Volunteer Center – a.k.a. VC – operates under the premise that all income generated via several initiatives and its members goes into a common pool. This income is used to run all initiatives, make investments, and guarantee mutual and reciprocal aid and responsibility between members. VC members receive the same budget regardless of their job or position. In terms of education, all volunteers start equally and are given equal opportunity. The VC is governed by a system of direct participatory democracy, where the individual can directly influence issues and events in the community. In this mostly self-sufficient community, the collective as well as the work ethic plays a major role.

1^st Volunteer Center

Our 1^st Volunteer Center is based in Sint Maarten Dutch West Indies which goes by the name Vicky’s Keys – www.vickyskeys.com. Managed by volunteers this location functions as a Hostel –  a low budget lodging facility – for tourists. Besides lodging Vicky’s Keys accommodates volunteers from abroad who work together with local based volunteers at several organized initiatives.  

Vicky’s Keys rooms and dorms has been renovated and are equipped with the basic necessities. Everything to ensure that its guests enjoy their day to their own heart’s content. Vicky’s Keys premises is approximately 1.400m2 / 15.000 square feet. The  concept is “Stay Among The Locals” which is popular among the  backpackers market. Yet it is the only hostel in Sint Maarten to anticipate those who would like to experience staying among the locals but with an  Eco twist to it.

There are 4 buildings on the property. Guests can arrange lodging for a single bed, a room, an apartment or the  family  apartment. The premises has several gardens cultivated with herbs,  vegetables, fruit and fish (Aquaponics system). Besides the usual luxury  amenities you have the choice to experience pure Caribbean self-sufficient living. On the premises you will find a Café, Terrace (ground and roof) with  barbecue area, Gardens, 3 Mixed Dormitories and 2 Private Dorm Rooms and  two Luxury Studios. Currently Vicky’s Keys can accommodate a maximum of 29  persons at once. Furthermore Vicky’s Keys premises is being upgraded  continuously. More features are being added such as Permaculture  designed gardens and a lot more. Visit us and we’ll assist you with  discovering Vicky’s Keys and the island of Sint Maarten.

Want to volunteer?

We seek volunteers that are internationally and locally based in Sint Maarten. Read onward which condition applies to you.

International Volunteers

Our Volunteer Center is happy to accept you as volunteer provided that:

• You do not live in Sint Maarten Dutch West Indies
• You have completed the application process including the payment of the processing fee in the amount of US$ 40, at least one month in advance.
• You come for a MINIMUM of 2 months and a MAXIMUM of 12 months (subject to the Volunteer Centers approval).
• You are between the ages of 18 and 55 years
• You are in good mental and physical health
• You speak a reasonable level of English

Via the Volunteer Center you will be assigned a task, you will work 7.5 hours a day, and one day 4 hours which adds up to 34 hours a week, and have two extra days off per month. You must be prepared to do any kind of work assigned to you by your supervisor. The work may be in agriculture, industry, tourism or Volunteer Center services. The Volunteer Center is a close-knit unit with self-supporting services; a large percentage of the volunteers work in these service areas. The choice of jobs available depends on the season, the volunteer’s skills and the length of his/her stay.

The Volunteer Center provides rooms (two to four people per room). Main meals are eaten at the communal space or at the rooms for some are equipped with a small kitchen, cooking facilities, and groceries to prepare food for one self.  Laundry service is provided. Depending on generated income and based on the derived income volunteers receive monthly pocket money.

The Volunteer Center does not cover travelling expenses nor accept children/ expectant mothers.

Duration of Stay

When you register, we apply for your volunteer permission documents at the Civil Registry. The maximum stay allowed on St. Maarten is 30 days uninterrupted for visitors in general. For Dutch nationals and American nationals, maximum stay allowed is 6 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend. For nationals of Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan; maximum stay allowed is 3 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend.

All visitors who wish to stay longer than their allotted time can request an extension; however, the possibilities to obtain an extension may differ for those visa-required travellers. Visitors who have received an extension of stay are required to have medical insurance valid for the duration of the extended stay.

After three months in joining our Volunteers Program, you may apply for an extension of your stay for an additional period of three months and with an additional payment. The extension of the stay is possible for every three months, up to 12 months. The renewal of the stay is subject to the decision of the volunteer coordinator. His/her decision is based on the behaviour and performance of the volunteer during his/her stay at the Volunteer Center.
A health insurance is mandatory for the volunteer program, that should cover all kinds of emergencies, i.e.: need for medicine, hospitalization, ambulatory services, emergency room, etc. The insurance should be valid for the complete period staying at the Volunteer Center.

Visa Guide, Re-entry Visa

Important: Research your VISA Requirements!

Each country has different visa requirements and it would be impossible for Marlin Yard Foundation to assist volunteers with individual visa requirements. This means that our staff cannot help with obtaining visas. Most volunteers travel using a tourist visa; however, it is your responsibility to determine the correct visa for your visit depending on the country you wish to visit. Marlin Yard Foundation is not responsible for any problems you may experience with immigration.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands – Caribbean consists of St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The Dutch Caribbean Visa is valid for travel to any of the countries mentioned and is issued at Dutch Embassies and Consulates around the world.  If you are from a country that is not mentioned on the visa-free list, you require a visa to enter St. Maarten.

IMPORTANT
The maximum stay per visit in any one of the countries within the Dutch Caribbean is 1 month (30 days). A visitor cannot exceed 90 days total stay in the Dutch Caribbean, per calendar year, when travelling on a Dutch Caribbean visa.

General Visa Exemptions 

All visitors are exempted from the visa requirement when in possession of the following;

• A valid residence permit (green card) for the United States, Canada, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland or Switzerland.
• A valid residence permit for French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten.
• A valid residence permit for one of the countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, St. Eustatius and Saba).
• Passengers of cruise ships visiting the island for less than 48 hours.
• A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa

Additional Exemptions

Nationals from the following countries may also enter St. Maarten with a valid multiple-entry United States or Canada visa:

Bolivia	Guyana
China	Haiti
Colombia	India
Cuba	Jamaica
Dominican Republic	Peru

Extension of Stay 

All visitors who wish to stay longer than their allotted time can request an extension; however, the possibilities to obtain an extension may differ for those visa-required travellers.  Visitors who have received an extension of stay are required to have medical insurance valid for the duration of the extended stay. 

Visa-free Countries

Nationals of the countries listed below do not require a Dutch Caribbean Visa to enter  Sint Maarten. If you are from a country that is not on the below-mentioned list, please contact us.

Albania	Liechtenstein
Andorra	Lithuania
Antigua and Barbuda	Luxembourg
Argentina	Macao – holders of a Special Administrative
Australia	Region passport
Austria	Macedonia
Bahamas	Malaysia
Barbados	Malta
Belgium	Mauritius
Belize	Mexico
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Moldova
Brazil	Monaco
Brunei	Montenegro
Bulgaria	Nicaragua
Canada	New Zealand
Chile	Norway
Costa Rica	Panama
Croatia	Paraguay
Cyprus	Poland
Czech Republic	Portugal
Denmark	Romania
Dominica	San Marino
Ecuador	Serbia
El Salvador	Seychelles
Estonia	Singapore
Finland	St Christopher and Nevis (St Kitts)
France	St Vincent and the Grenadines
Germany	St Lucia
Grenada	Slovakia
Greece	Slovenia
Guatemala	South Korea
Honduras	Spain
Hong Kong – holders of a British National	Suriname
(Overseas) passport	Sweden
Hong Kong – holders of a Special	Switzerland
Administrative Region passport	Taiwan
Hungary	Trinidad and Tobago
Iceland	United Arab Emirates
Ireland	United Kingdom
Israel	United States of America
Italy	Uruguay
Japan	Vatican City
Latvia	Venezuela

Re-entry Visa

Only applicable to those travelling with a Visa:
If you wish to leave Sint Maarten and return, within a month, you should apply for re-entry visa before leaving Sint Maarten, subject to the volunteer supervisor’s approval, at least three weeks in advance. The re-entry visa is a must even if you are not planning to volunteer when you return to Sint Maarten (but to travel, or return to your country). Even if the departure from Sint Maarten is for several hours only – without the re-entry visa, you will not be permitted to enter back in Sint Maarten.

Registration on Location

Upon arrival in Sint Maarten and you decide to volunteer with us, come to our office at the address below to register for placement . Please bring with you:

1.   Your Passport.
2.   A photocopy of the main page of your passport (which shows your picture and citizenship details).
3.   Our medical certificate which has been completely filled out, signed and stamped by your family doctor.
4.   Our declaration certificate.
5.   US$ 40 for the registration fee.
6.   US$ 100 deposit required by the Volunteer Center that functions as a security deposit in case you damage anything or lost your room key during your stay. If you didn’t damage anything or lost your key this amount will be reimbursed, otherwise costs for damages and making a new key will be deducted from this security deposit accordingly.
7.   A Return ticket.
8.  A bank statement or proof of funds of at least US$ 500 (so that you have some funds to go around).
9. The small card, which you have filled out during your flight or have received upon entry of Sint Maarten.
10. A copy of your mandatory Health Insurance which is valid up to one year (if extended)

The Volunteer Center provides an introduction tour, our unique volunteer shirt, accommodation, food, monthly pocket money, organized trips and free use of facilities such as picking your own veggies, herbs and fruit, bicycles, BBQ’s, roof terrace, hammocks, outside shower, cool down tub etc.

The placement is at Vicky’s Keys for the whole duration of the volunteering.

Address:
Vicky’s Keys
The Keys road 8, lane 3
Sucker Garden, Upper Prince’s Quarter
Sint Maarten DWI

Our office is open from Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 2.00 pm

Conditions for Volunteering

Person of Contact

At our Volunteer Center, a volunteer supervisor is assigned to the volunteers. The volunteer supervisor is the volunteer’s contact person. The volunteer supervisor is in charge of the volunteers and any request or problem that the volunteers might have they can turn to the volunteer supervisor. The first day at the Volunteer Center the volunteer supervisor meets with the newly arrived volunteers explaining them the daily routines and rules at the Volunteer Center. The volunteers are taken on a short tour around the premises and project locations and the different work branches are explained to them.

Dormitory

The volunteers live in rooms with between 2 to 4 people in each room (depending on the season).  

Availability hours

Five days a week the volunteers work 7.5 hours a day and one half day of 4 hours at the assigned location. Each month the volunteers are given two free days. Together with the volunteer supervisor, the volunteers decide when to “use” the free days. The work is dependent on the availability and the need of the Volunteer Center, but if possible, the volunteer supervisor is always willing to try to satisfy the individual requests of the volunteers.

Service hours are categorized in shifts:  
Early shift: 7.00 am – 3.30 pm
Middle shift: 10.00 am – 6.30 pm
Late shift: 2.30 pm – 11.00 pm

Meals

The volunteers receive two meals and a snack a day. Every day breakfast and a hot lunch are served in the common dining area of the Volunteer Center. Also volunteers are provided with a small kitchen with cooking facilities and groceries to cook for themselves. The volunteers then cook and eat together.

Facilities

There will be organized activities every month and a bi-monthly tour is planned. The volunteers are free to join and make use of the provided facilities by the Volunteer Center. The volunteers are free to enjoy the laundry facilities on the premises. And free use of facilities such as picking your own veggies, herbs and fruit, bicycles, BBQ’s, roof terrace, hammocks, outside shower, cool down tub etc.  

Health Insurance

The health insurance which the volunteer is required to purchase should covering all kinds of emergencies, i.e.: need for medicine, hospitalization, ambulatory services, emergency room, etc. For any situation that demands health treatment the volunteers can approach local .

Deposit

Upon arrival, the volunteers are asked to leave a deposit upon check in at the Volunteer Center (ANG 180 / US $100 / Euro 100) as security against the Volunteer Centers belongings that the volunteers use during their stay and against situations in which the volunteer does not inform the volunteer coordinator, at least two weeks in advance, regarding the date of departure from the Volunteer Center.

Pocket money

Pocket money is reserved every month for each volunteer. The amount is based on the monthly nett turnover from the work branch the volunteer is assigned to.

Volunteers living on Sint Maarten

Our Volunteer Center is happy to accept you as volunteer provided that:

• You live in Sint Maarten Dutch West Indies
• You have completed the application process at least 2 weeks in advance.
• You help out for a MINIMUM of 1 day per month (subject to the Volunteer Centers approval).
• You are in good mental and physical health
• You speak a reasonable level of English

Via the Volunteer Center you will be assigned a task. You must be prepared to do any kind of work assigned to you by your supervisor. The work may be in agriculture, industry, tourism or Volunteer Center services. The Volunteer Center is a close-knit unit with self-supporting services; a large percentage of the volunteers work in these service areas. The choice of jobs available depends on the season, the volunteer’s skills and the length of his/her availability.

The Volunteer Center provides meals which are eaten in the communal diner. Depending on the produce locally based volunteers are eligible to receive from and enjoy the produce.  

Conditions for the local Volunteer

Person of Contact

At our Volunteer Center, a volunteer supervisor is assigned to the volunteers. The volunteer supervisor is the volunteer’s contact person. The volunteer supervisor is in charge of the volunteers and any request or problem that the volunteers might have they can turn to the volunteer supervisor. The first day at the Volunteer Center the volunteer supervisor meets with the newly arrived volunteers explaining them the daily routines and rules at the Volunteer Center. The volunteers are taken on a short tour around the premises and project locations and the different work branches are explained to them.

Available hours

At least one day per month the volunteer work 7.5 hours at the assigned location. The work is dependent on the availability and the need of the Volunteer Center, but if possible, the volunteer supervisor is always willing to try to satisfy the individual requests of the volunteers.

Service hours are categorized in shifts:  
Early shift: 7.00 am – 3.30 pm
Middle shift: 10.00 am – 6.30 pm
Late shift: 2.30 pm – 11.00 pm

Meals

The volunteers receive two meals a day. Every day breakfast and a hot lunch are served in the common dining area of the Volunteer Center.

Facilities

Depending on the produce local volunteers are eligible to receive from and enjoy the produce meaning on scheduled days of work the volunteers:

• are allowed to pick veggies, herbs and fruit for own consumption.
• can make use of the Volunteers Center facilities such as enjoying the roof terrace, hammocks, outside shower, cool down tub.

There will be organized activities every month and a bi-monthly tour is planned of which the volunteers are free to join.

Registration

The application and registration procedure. There are two different ways to apply for the volunteer program:

1) Contact the Volunteer Center and register through the office when in Sint Maarten.

The Volunteer Center helps you to prearrange all the paperwork and receive all the needed information about the Volunteer Program. Feel free to ask all your questions.  The Volunteer Center also arrange for groups of volunteers to come together to the Volunteer Center.
For volunteer candidates from the countries that are not mentioned in the Visa Free Country list –  it is mandatory, according to the Volunteer Center office requirements, to apply at least 2 months upfront. Please note that in any case, our Volunteer Center is obligated and/or responsible only by explicit undertakings made directly by the Volunteer Center in writing.

2) To register directly through our website.  
For direct registration you need to fill the Registration Form on our website.

Volunteers from abroad
click here for the International Volunteer Registration Form

Upon arriving in Sint Maarten, you need to come to the Volunteer Center in order to register and receive a placement. After the registration in our office and placing you in one of the work branches, you receive a free Volunteer t-shirt. Please note that the placement is subject to the vacancies in the work branches at the time of your arrival to our office in Sint Maarten. We are doing our utmost for an immediate placement but cannot promise or guarantee it. You might have to wait a few days in the hostel for placement.

Volunteers living on Sint Maarten
click here for the SXM Volunteer Registration Form

All information provided by the candidate is confidential and handled with care.