RYA Scotland

Phase 3 – 21st August Update

General Guidance for Boating Activity

Key notes which apply to all boating activities:
Participants should be aware that the ongoing easing of restrictions in Phase 3 does not mean that all facilities will open immediately. Owners and operators will require time to put plans in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. Please be respectful of local challenges, this is a difficult time for everyone so please be patient.
Many commercial facilities now have toilet, changing and showering facilities open for users and visitors. However, facilities such as those at clubs or run by volunteers, may struggle to meet the strict requirements for opening these facilities and visitors should check ahead to ensure they understand what is and is not available.
Please keep up to date with local restrictions and be prepared for changes with little notice.
Test and Protect It is now a mandatory requirement that facility operators collect and keep for 21 days, contact details for visitors to their premises. It is also now a mandatory requirement for organisers of boating activity, such as musters or regattas, to collect and retain the contact details for all participants. You should be prepared to give your details when requested.

Cleaning information
We recommend you carry and use hand sanitiser which should be at least 60% alcohol based. Regularly washing of hands with soap and water is still preferable where there are the facilities to do so.
Detergent wipes need to be appropriate for the surface they are being used on.
Cleaning products should conform to EN14476 standard or any detergent will need to be followed by chlorine releasing agent. However, be wary of cleaning requirements for specialist boating equipment such as life jackets and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Be mindful of our fragile marine environment, do not release bleach products into the water and dispose of used wipes, gloves and masks responsibly. In addition, it may be worthwhile looking at best practice for general cleaning of equipment via – The Green Blue.

Physical distancing requirements are still in place
People must stay a minimum distance of 2 metres apart when meeting others from outside their household, unless in an organised ‘field of play activity’ via a club or training centre.

Travel restrictions are now relaxed
Subject to any localised restrictions. However participants travelling by car should only do so with members of their own household (or extended household).

People can meet in extended groups outside with physical distancing
Up to five households at a time and up to 15 people

Households can meet indoors with up to two other households
(total 3 households max 8 people) with physical distancing. This includes overnight stays.

Overnight aboard
It is possible for up to 8 people from 3 households to stay overnight aboard at the mooring or on the pontoon if physical distancing is maintained while on board. Visitor berthing is permitted. Before departing check local restrictions with mooring owners/associations/harbour masters. #Respect the destination. Plan ahead, be considerate on arrival and think of the local residents.

For Inland waterway users follow the link for further useful information. Scottish Canals

General RYA principles applying to all boating activity:

We will always follow Government advice – Scottish Government

• The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and well-being and to minimising pressure on front-line services. We have a collective and individual role to play by following the Scottish Government guidelines

We will, as a boating community, take a considerate and conservative approach

• Considerate of others: be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and local communities. Do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services
• Conservative of risk: help to minimise risk by taking an extra conservative approach to your boating

Additionally:

• You may sail with up to four other households on a boat and with no more than fifteen people.
• Participants are encouraged to use their own personal equipment during this phase, or to have equipment allocated to them for exclusive use during a set period. This equipment should be cleaned appropriately before being allocated to another user.
• Participants must only take to the water in conditions well within their ability and which assume a self-sufficient approach to their activity.
• Competition can now be organised in line with the RYA Scotland guidance to Clubs and Recognised Training centres
• Check your equipment thoroughly, particularly engines and fuel, as they may not have been used for some time. Consider using a device to keep in touch such as RYA SafeTRX on a mobile or carry a VHF and notifying someone ashore of your intended activity, anticipated time afloat and calling them when you are back ashore safely.

Plan – Your Activity

Planning your boating activity is key to ensuring you protect yourself and others around you.

• Consider your activity type, destination and timescales.
• Consider your options for changing pre and post activity.
• Check the weather, sea state, location of launching and the location you may be visiting during your activity.
• Check your destination availability – Do you have car-parking availability? Is your intended mooring available? Have you considered rural community impact? Have you taken enough supplies to not go ashore or utilise destination shops?
• Do you have a contingency plan?

All these factors will help you support your decisions to whether you are able to participate in your activity. Planning to make your activity fun, safe and enjoyable is equally as important as planning to reduce the potential spread of COVID 19

Prepare – Your Craft

• Have you checked your craft is ready and appropriate for your activity?
• Have you checked your personal life saving equipment?
• Have you checked your communication systems?
• Have you planned the journey?
• Do you have a shore contact?

Deliver – Your Activity

• Be considerate of others on and off the water.
• Be conservative in your approach to your sport and do not take any unnecessary risk that may put you or others in danger.
• Avoid busy areas where physical distancing is not possible.
  We would recommend that you do not launch at locations where you cannot maintain physical distancing for example crowded beaches or hot spots.

Review – Your Activity

• How did it go?
• What impact have you had on your destination?
• Would you change any elements of the trip/activity/sport?
  Consider how you can ensure you play your part in reducing the spread of COVID 19.