BOATING IS NOT AN ESSENTIAL ACTIVITY - COVID

So please stay home. Cruising Helmsman has contacted the state agencies and has published the following.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson advised:

Transport for NSW is supporting current NSW Government advice by encouraging boaters to practise social distancing and stay at home wherever possible to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The NSW Government has also advised that all non-essential travel to regional areas and remote communities must be cancelled.

A ‘reasonable excuse’ to use your boat could be to:

* - exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling etc);

* - fish;

* - get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home or your live aboard yacht;

* - get groceries by using your tender or RIB; and

* - provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person’s family.

Unless you have an essential need to be out - stay ashore. Packing up your boat for a road trip and a half day fishing expedition, for example, is not in the spirit of the restrictions.

Boaters who need to be out on the water are advised to use common sense, and remember to follow social rules at all times. They are encouraged to stay within local waters as much as possible. Boaters should only be on their boat alone (remember to wear a PFD), or with no more than one other person; or with family (ie >2) who ordinarily live in the same household.

NSW Maritime and NSW Police Marine Area Command staff remain out on the water to ensure the safety of essential and commercial waterway users.

If you do go out on your yacht, have a fishing licence and drag a line over the stern to be seen to fish but not in a sanctuary zone.

This is what to do at the launch ramp?

Wait your turn at the ramp and if there are two lanes, only use one to ensure social distancing. Do the same on your return to the ramp when retrieving your boat from the water. Remember to maintain social distancing and personal hygiene at all times. You may wash you vessel at Bermagui but not in the Eurobodalla.

Internationals

Many of my cruising friends are stuck here in Australia and are concerned that their visa will expire and they will have no-where to go, with borders closed all around the world. The Department of Home Affairs responded to Cruising Helmsman with this advice:

Non-citizens seeking to extend their stay in Australia should review information on the Department’s website and apply for another visa.

Any visa application will be assessed considering the COVID-19 enhanced border measures and an applicant’s individual circumstances.

Applications for a new visa should be made before their current visa expires. Information for visa holders is available on the Department’s website.

This information will be updated as the Government’s response to COVID-19 evolves. Additionally, please refer to the acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs.

Noonsite.com has good crowd sourced advice.