A clearance port for yachts

MARITIME stakeholders are advised that the quarantine anchorage for foreign yachts at Nakama Creek, Savusavu has been approved.

This was highlighted by Maritime Safety Authority CEO Simon Gravenall in a maritime notice released on Monday. It was in light of the blue lane initiative by the Government.

The marine operator for the quarantine anchorage is Nawi Island Marina Basin. Mr Gravenall said yachts would be quarantined under surveillance by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

“All movement by quarantine yachts is strictly prohibited during the quarantine period,” he said. The position of the quarantine anchorage is 16° 46’.515S, 179° 19’.996E.

“The Blue Lanes initiative has given yachts from around the world the chance to join Fijians in COVID-contained paradise,” Minister for Commerce and Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya said last week.

“With more than 330 days since the last local case of the coronavirus in Fiji and more than 100 vessels approved, Fiji’s blue lanes represent the safest and most sustainable tourism pathway in the world.

“The yachts docked at our Port Denarau, and those that will berth soon in Savusavu, are testament to our willingness to innovate and our commitment to COVID-safe tourism.”

As a designated blue lanes yacht port, Savusavu Bay will serve as a clearance port and quarantine anchorage for yachts under supervision by Fijian health officials and members of Fiji’s disciplined forces.

Passengers aboard yachts bound for Savusavu must adhere to Fiji’s rigorous quarantine protocols, including COVID-19 predeparture testing, 14 days of quarantine at sea or in harbour, and border quarantine exit testing.

According to a government statement, the move will extend the socio-economic benefits of the blue lanes initiative to Fiji’s Northern Division and grant yachts access to one of Fiji’s most popular destinations, Savusavu, as well as nearby islands, such as the Garden Island of Taveuni.

Fiji according to the government, has served as the Pacific’s hub for blue tourism throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as the blue lanes initiative has allowed for crew changes for superyachts, quarantine– holiday for high-end yachties, bunkering and provisioning, and the accommodation of yachts serving humanitarian purposes during Fiji’s recent harrowing cyclone season.