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Alderney has been checking moorings around the island so vessels from elsewhere in the Bailiwick can now safely visit as staycations become the in-thing to do this summer.
Both Alderney and Sark have said private boats can visit from Guernsey with people able to moor safely before going ashore.
Visitors from outside the Bailiwick are still effectively banned from the islands, as anyone not within the 'Bailiwick bubble' needs to self isolate for 14 days when they arrive.
Free movement is already allowed between the islands using public transport - but social distancing measures are being adhered to for another week with restrictions on the number of passengers allowed on public vessels. From next Saturday the boat services between the islands will operate as normal once again, allowing hundreds more people to access the smaller islands each day.
Those with their own boats have already been given the green light to go to Alderney too - along with Sark and Herm.
A spokesperson for the States of Alderney said that the inspection was underway this week, meaning local vessels will soon be back at their moorings.
That work was being done by specialists from the UK who had been given an exemption to travel to the island to carry out the inspection
"A UK dive team was beginning the survey and maintenance process on the moorings this week.
"Their stay during the period of the contract is being controlled and monitored to minimise contact with the public."
Harbour Master John Taylor thanked local boat owners for their "patience and cooperation during these difficult times when travel restrictions made it impossible to carry out the maintenance earlier in the season".
He said: “As a thank you the Harbour Authority will conduct the first lift of local vessels free of charge.”
That offer is subject to mooring fees being paid up to date and terms and conditions being met.
“We look forward to seeing boat owners on the water soon,” he added.
Pictured top: Braye Harbour, Alderney.
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