Cruising Association details COVID-19 restrictions

Worldwide COVID-19 restrictions effectively mean that most, if not all, cruising, is currently prohibited or severely restricted.

The status of European and Mediterranean Cruising Grounds is shown on this map, with red being closed/highly restricted; amber being restrictions; and green being open.

According to Noonsite, if you have to move your boat during this lock down period from one country to the next, don’t rely on any online sources for the latest information as rules and regulations are changing by the hour in many places. Always contact the customs and immigration offices or the tourism board before you depart to find out what the current rules are and to let them know you are coming.

Cruising boats worldwide have been greatly affected by the rapid restrictions being put in place in ports of entry worldwide. Most countries on the popular cruising routes have now closed to visiting yachts. Finding a country for safe haven is becoming much harder at this time and best advice is to stay where you are if the situation allows. The majority of countries have now closed to in-coming yachts, and many are in lock down preventing any boats coming in or out and requiring those in the country to remain on board in self-isolation for 2-3 weeks.

At this stage, all but essential services are closed, and marinas are running with just skeleton staff or closed completely. In many places, security is becoming an issue, with looting of unoccupied boats, etc. Find out what measures liveaboard cruisers are taking via the local cruisers’ VHF Net in your harbour and, if leaving your boat and flying home, investigate securing a reliable boat caretaker before you leave.

The Cruising Association is publishing online advice to members and the public which will be updated as restrictions, hopefully, ease in time.

When cruising becomes possible, the CA advises considering the following points when deciding whether and where to go.

• The availability of medical care in your destination countries; insurance will not help you if the local healthcare services are overwhelmed
• Restrictions on cross-border travel are increasing; this may restrict access to boats abroad and, once onboard, limit cruising grounds
• Your travel and medical insurance (explain to your insurer exactly what you are intending, otherwise there is a risk that you will not be covered for COVID-19-related problems)
• How you will deal with you or your crew becoming ill
• How you will get yourself and/or your crew home if in trouble (EHIC will not cover this)
• What will you do if the local government ask you to leave at short notice
• The risk that, while on passage, further restrictions are introduced in your intended destination