Boat owners break restrictions

Friday 17 April 2020

Guernsey Harbours is warning leisure boat owners to follow lockdown instructions, after some were caught attempting to take their vessels out to sea without valid reasons.

They were challenged by the Guernsey Vessel Traffic Service, which is policing the situation.

Now, Guernsey Harbours is urging boat owners to take the lockdown measures seriously, with the threat of legal action if they are not followed.

At the moment, the only boats allowed to enter and leave St Peter Port and St Sampson's Harbours are:

• 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 boats that don't fall into those categories should stay in their berth or mooring, unless they have to be moved for safety reasons, in which case the owner must seek approval from VTS first.

Pictured: Captain David Barker.

"We understand at this time of year that private boat owners instinctively want to take advantage of the improving weather," said Harbourmaster, Captain David Barker. "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 boat owners. 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.”

Boat owners are allowed to use their daily allocated exercise time to tend to their vessels though, ensuring they are still seaworthy, secure on their moorings and well maintained.

Mariners should abide by social distancing measures at all times and use cleaning precautions to avoid the spread of corona virus.

Pictured top: St Peter Port Harbour.