Boating is back in England!
BRITISH Marine has welcomed the announcement that all forms of watersports, including the use of privately owned motorised craft, can go ahead.
Considering this in the context of the UK Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Strategy and associated documents, British Marine and The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) conclude that the reopening of marinas (like golf courses), for leisure boating customers is now permissible subject to the strict compliance to social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
Although restrictions on outdoor activities have been lifted, many of BM members’ facilities have not had the time to implement the measures set out by the Government to safely manage the gathering of people on their sites.
British Marine would therefore urge all boat owners to consider the following before they plan a day trip to their boat:
• Plan ahead – ensure the safety of those around you and try to avoid areas that may attract lots of people.
• Check with your mooring provider before you travel. Be aware that many facilities may not yet be able to open and this could affect services such as fuel and pump-out stations.
• Only use your boat if you can apply social distancing at all times, including when mooring your vessel to leave a safe distance from others.
• Travel with members of your household only, if no one in the group is displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
• You may only meet with people that are not within your household if you apply social distancing. You should not meet with more than one person outside your household.
• Be aware of the impact on emergency services if you were to get into difficulties. Think about what action you will take if your boat breaks down – recovery services may not be operating.
• Apply all normal sensible safety precautions and always wear a life jacket when on deck.
• Pubs and restaurants are not allowed to open as normal – although some may offer takeaway services. Check with any businesses you wish to visit before you leave home.
• Be caring and considerate of local residents who may be nervous about the risks of increased numbers of people in the area.
It should also be noted that the Government does not permit the population to leave their homes to ‘stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose’; this suggests that staying overnight on a boat must not happen.
British Marine understands that inland navigation authorities and harbour authorities will also have to consider the Government’s latest guidance in respect of what activities will be permitted across all parts of the UK and how they themselves will return to operation.
Guidance for the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differs and therefore marinas that operate in the UK outside of England remain closed to leisure customers until they are permitted by their government to open.