The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) traces its origins back to 1996, when Frank Zachar aboard Vagabond Tiger established a safety and security voice net to warn cruisers in Venezuela about a surge in outboard and dinghy thefts. Bob and Robin Jones on Elixer (later Buster) soon took over, formally naming it the “Caribbean Safety and Security Net” and maintaining a paper log of security incidents.
Their efforts were supported—and eventually succeeded—by Don and Judith Kline on Daisy D, who introduced the first electronic records using a Paradox database. Melodye and John Pompa on Second Millennium joined to provide backup and relays, with Melodye taking on the role of Net Controller in August 1999. In 2007, she launched the first website, www.safetyandsecuritynet.com, which included five years of archived data and addressed frequent questions raised on the net. After Melodye and John moved ashore in June 2012, Harm Brink on Horta assumed Net Control responsibilities.
In 2013, Kim White of Gabrielle, with the support of other dedicated cruisers, conducted the first user survey to guide CSSN’s future. Mary Stone of Ms. Astor joined as webmaster in 2014, moving on to special projects until December 2017, while Ken Kurlychek of Mary T assumed leadership in technical matters in April 2016. Later that year, CSSN welcomed Oliver O’Sullivan of Lady Alice De Serk as associate webmaster. Laura Roy of Siella joined the volunteer team in January 2019, serving until October the same year. In December 2020, Ryan and Caroline Spott of Fizzgig were welcomed into the CSSN team. Kim White continues to coordinate CSSN activities, supported by a dedicated group of volunteers committed to enhancing safety and security for the cruising community.
