Guernsey Harbours is urging mariners to continue to follow guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Bailiwick. Leaving your home to engage in leisure boating is not considered essential activity, nor does it qualify as part of your two-hour exercise.
It is sensible, however, to keep vessels seaworthy, secure on their moorings and well maintained. This is perfectly acceptable as part of a daily exercise outing, providing measures are taken to meet current social distancing measures and strict cleanliness to prevent infection.
Whilst the vast majority of boatowners have heeded the advice to stay at home, a small minority of owners have attempted to put to sea, and have been challenged by the Guernsey Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). This has prompted Guernsey Harbours to publish further instructions on what type of vessel
can enter and leave St Peter Port or St Sampson's Harbours during the current COVID - 19 restrictions.
Local Notices to Mariners (No. 011/2020) outlines what type of vessel Guernsey VTS will allow to enter and leave the harbours and their approaches. These are as follows:
- RoRo and LoLo Vessels serving the Bailiwick's supply chain.
- Hydrocarbon Vessels serving the Bailiwick's supply chain.
- Other cargo vessels serving the Bailiwick's supply chain.
- Inter-Island Ferries.
- GU registered commercial fishing vessels to engage in fishing where the catch is landed in the Bailiwick.
- Vessels responding to an emergency.
- Vessels engaged in law enforcement activities.
- Vessels conducting a MEDIVAC.
- Harbour Authority Vessels.
Any vessel that does not fall into the categories above is to remain on its berth or mooring, unless there is a requirement to move them for safety reasons, and then only on approval from VTS.
Guernsey's Harbourmaster Captain David Barker said:
"This Local Notices to Mariners (LNTM) clearly explains what type of vessel can enter and leave St Peter Port and St Sampson's Harbours. We understand at this time of year that private boat owners instinctively want to take advantage of the improving weather. However, it is vitally important that they heed the guidance of the LNTM and not put to sea, as this will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the Bailiwick. Clearly, I do not wish to take a heavy-handed approach, and would rather trust the good sense of our boatowners. It should be noted, however, that under Section 13 of the Harbours Ordinance, 1988, all vessel movements within St Peter Port and St Sampson's Harbours and their approaches are subject to approval of the Harbour Authority. Using legal means is a last resort, but if individuals are placing their health, and that of their families and the public at risk by ignoring these restrictions, I may have no choice. Please be sensible and stay at home."