Effective from 00:01 Saturday 30 May 2020
In accordance with the commencement of Phase 4 of the Covid-19 lockdown exit strategy and following further discussions with the States of Guernsey's Public Health Services' team, Guernsey Ports have updated the guidelines for the use of pleasure boats and general aviation which take effect from 00:01 Saturday 30 May 2020.
The guidance below sets out the following conditions for locally based vessels in the Bailiwick only. Due to the COVID-19 legal restrictions in force, Guernsey Harbours strongly discourages travel to the Bailiwick of private pleasure vessels from the UK, France and the rest of the World as a quarantine requirement on arrival is currently in force. Further details on the current travel restrictions that apply to those arriving in the Bailiwick can be found on the States of Guernsey's website.
All mariners are strongly encouraged to read and understand the latest Local Notices to Mariners and Guernsey Coastguard navigation warnings which are currently in force.
SECTION A: Recreational Boating
Recreational boat owners (using any type of vessel, whether motorised or not) are now permitted to use their boats in local waters for recreational purposes subject to the following updated conditions:
The latest weather forecast has been obtained and the vessel has been checked and inspected thoroughly before putting to sea. This should include ensuring that all boat systems and engines are operating correctly and all equipment is in date and operating as it should. This is particularly important in order to minimise the need for our emergency services to be mobilised potentially placing them and you at risk.
Boat skippers may be accompanied by persons, subject to maintaining the appropriate social distance between individuals, as set out in the current public health guidelines.
Boat owners are no longer limited to a defined period of water-based activities in every 24-hour period.
Refuelling is permitted but only adhering to the appropriate social distancing guidelines currently in place and ensuring continued good hygiene practices. The use of gloves is recommended whilst handling refuelling equipment.
Surfaces and objects that are touched regularly should be frequently cleaned and disinfected thoroughly using appropriate products and equipment on board the vessel.
Herm: Herm's management wish to encourage private boaters to visit Herm Island, to tie their mooring lines to the mooring chains on the beach just north of the harbour wall and to raft in limited numbers alongside the harbour wall for a temporary time period. Providing they are very careful to ensure they do not interfere with the requirements of the Herm Seahorse,or of Trident vessels and that social distancing and hand hygiene requirements are maintained. Dinghies may continue to land at Rosaire and be pulled to a point above the high tide mark, providing they do not interfere with guests arriving on Trident and/or other vessels. The facilities ashore are limited at the moment but the Mermaid Tavern will be open for limited hours and prebooked table service of meals and drinks. Access and anchoring in bays across Herm is permitted but it should be noted the island continues to have limited amenities and facilities open.
Sark: Sark is now open to recreational boaters. The swinging moorings across the Island are currently not in use and vessels should not use them until advised.
Alderney: Alderney is now open to recreational boaters. The swinging moorings in Braye Harbour are currently not in use and vessels should not use them until advised.
All vessels planning to visit Alderney are required to contact the Alderney harbour office by using this form in advance and emailing it to harbour@alderney.gov.gg.
Attention is also drawn to the Skipper and crew of any vessel, which makes landfall outside of the Bailiwick's territorial waters that they must observe Customs regulations as well as following the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days immediately upon return as set out in separate guidance for travel.
These requirements have also been published by the Guernsey Harbourmaster via Local Notices To Mariners (LNTM). Vessel owners are required to check the latest local notices regularly for updated instructions and changes, before putting to sea, using Guernsey Harbours' website http://www.harbours.gg/Guernsey-Navigation-Warnings-Notices. These are also published on the Guernsey Harbours' Facebook and Twitter accounts.