NTM 45/21 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Harbour Restrictions Update to 31 May 2021
Covid-19 pandemic guidance from the Scottish Government is being updated on a regular basis and this NTM has been revised to reflect the progression of Scotland’s phased approach through and out of the COVID-19 crisis.
From 26 April 2021, Scottish Coronavirus regulations permit unrestricted travel within Scotland and between Scotland and England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Under Scottish regulations, restrictions remain in place on travel to and from the Republic of Ireland but will be kept under review. Travel restrictions remain in place for travel between Scotland and the rest of the world.
With the need to protect vulnerable island communities while still providing essential lifeline support, CMAL and our harbour operator CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) are strictly following the instructions, advice and guidance from the governing authorities and experts as it becomes available. Hence, mariners are informed that with immediate effect restrictions that were in force at all CMAL locations (full list here) have been revised as follows.
Island Visitors
To reduce the risk of coronavirus being brought into island communities by people who are unaware they are infectious, latest Scottish Government guidance is encouraging (but not mandated) anyone planning to travel to a Scottish island should have two negative lateral flow Covid tests in the 3 days prior to arrival.
Domestic Recreational Vessels
Informal boating and organised activities can be undertaken in compliance with present Scottish Government restrictions and guidance.
Domestic Commercial Vessels
Commercial marine and adventure tourism originating from within Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man can also operate within CMAL harbours. At all times operators must comply with Scottish Government and HSE Guidance and regulations to ensure the safety of customers and staff and meet the criteria set out in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tourism and Hospitality Sector Guidance.
Individual and boating operators are responsible for conducting a risk assessment drawing on the relevant sources of Scottish Government guidance on COVID-19 and evidence of this being in place may be requested by CFL prior to allowing vessels to use CMAL facilities.
Commercial Charter and Cruise Vessels to a Maximum of 12 Passengers
Overnight boating or cruising can take place for boats or ships that carry up to 12 passengers from multiple households from Level 2 of the Strategic Framework.
For catered boats, the Tourism and Hospitality guidance should be applied from the point of embarkation throughout the voyage and while disembarking.
In addition, any accommodation, regardless of format, that is used to for overnight accommodation on an unmanaged self-catering basis such a bare boat charter, is treated as a private dwelling, for the purpose of these regulations, and therefore covered by the in-house socialising rules.
In both cases, businesses will be required to undertake a full risk assessment and ensure appropriate mitigations are in place.
Overnight boats are not permitted to operate in any Level 3 or 4 area.
Domestic Cruise Vessels
Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least 1 night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households.
The Scottish Government has not yet announced when it will relax coronavirus restrictions to permit the resumption of domestic cruises so at the present time such vessels cannot be accepted at CMAL locations.
International Cruise Vessels
International cruises mean staying overnight for at least 1 night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households, which begin, end, or call at ports outside of the UK. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against international sea-going cruise travel based on the latest public health medical advice.
FCDO advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation. Their advice does not include ferries or privately rented vessels.
Until further notice, international cruise vessels cannot be accepted at CMAL locations.
International Vessels
Health Protection Scotland and the Scottish Ports Liaison Network requires that any vessel arriving from a foreign port must provide a Declaration to the local Port Health Authority:
NTM 04/21 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Maritime Declaration of Health Update
Further information about Covid-19 may be found at:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
RYA Boating Guidance for Scotland
Further details can be obtained using the contact details on this NTM.
This notice supersedes NTM 35/21 which is now cancelled.
Issued on behalf of the Harbour Master
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited
email: operations@cmassets.co.uk
Categories: Notice to Mariners
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