How to Stay Safe When Boating During COVID-19

While stay-at-home orders start lifting and travel restrictions start relaxing, it is important to know that the danger of contracting the coronavirus remains. Following precautionary guidelines and social distancing rules is still the best way to avoid getting sick and help stop the spread of COVID-19. This also applies to yacht owners and boaters who plan on boating during the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the health and safety of your crew and passengers, follow these boating rules & COVID-19 safety procedures.

Follow These Boating Rules for COVID-19 Prevention

Compiled by our superyacht management company, these tips and precautionary measures are inspired by the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well the protocols suggested by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Bahamas government. Follow these tips to stay safe when boating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don’t Invite Guests

Avoid bringing guests outside of your immediate household to your boat or yacht. By only inviting family members or roommates you have been quarantining with, you reduce the risk of bringing potentially infected people onto your yacht. Another way to reduce your risk is by having no more than 10 people on board. If are planning a long cruise or even a trip to the Bahamas with guests who aren’t your immediate family members, have everyone tested for COVID-19 and make sure all the results are negative.

Go Directly To Your Vessel

When its time for your trip or yacht excursion, go directly from your home to your boat. Try not to stop anywhere along the way. Minimize your contact with other people and places as much as possible. If you need to stop at a marine or boat ramp, wear masks and gloves. Make sure to stay at least six feet away from others. Once you return from your trip, go directly from your boat to your home.

Wear Masks and Gloves

Wearing protective gear like face masks, latex gloves, plastic face shield, and neck gaiters when in public spaces is an effective way to protect yourself from the coronavirus. If you find yourself having to stop at a boat ramp or fuel dock, make sure to wear at least a face mask and gloves. Also wear masks and gloves when you are on the premises of a marina or going on land where there are other people.

Stay At Least 50 Feet Apart

Social distancing also applies to vessels. Keep your boat or yacht at least 50 feet away from other vessels. By keeping this distance, you will be following most safety regulations applied to South Florida and Bahamas waters. In many places rafting boats and beaching your vessel are still prohibited, so it is best to avoid doing those things as well to stay safe.

Yacht Management South Florida, Inc. is a Fort Lauderdale yacht maintenance and management company specializing in complete yacht care. Our team of yacht managers and technicians work together to ensure stress-free yacht ownership to all our clients. Contact us or call (954) 941-6447 today to schedule maintenance for your yacht!

Sources

1.       The Bahamas Weekly – Minister of Tourism remarks at Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan Press Conference

2.       Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure – The Bahamas Will Welcome Private Yachts, Planes on June 15, Followed by Commercial Travel in July