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Covid-19 Policy

Our Covid-19 Secure Procedures

1. Introduction

2. Booking Dates

2.1 Before 17th May
2.2 Between 17th May and 21st June
2.3 After 21 June

3. Pre-Booking Information

4. Safe Boarding Procedures

4.1 Day Sails
4.2 Adult Overnight Charters
4.3 Children Overnight Charters
4.4 Day & Overnight Charters for those less able or with medical Conditions

5. Staying Safe While On Board

5.1  On deck
5.2 Down below
5.3 Onboard hygiene

6. Actions if Covid Breaks Out During a Trip

7. Crew Covid Safety


    1. Introduction

    As England approaches the end of the current lockdown, we are hoping that the rules in the Government’s “Road Map” will gradually be relaxed during the sailing season.  As the road map rules are modified, these procedures will in turn be altered to reflect any changes.

    Our primary objective is to keep all visitors and our crew safe and feeling secure while they are with us.  There will be little enjoyment if anyone feels at risk and the intention of the following procedures is to minimize onerous rules and maximize safety.  

    Being on board and working a sailing vessel, will make social distancing more difficult than normal.  However, It is assumed that for the duration of this season, wherever possible, everyone will bear in mind the standard covid safety rules and do their best to apply them:-

    HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.

    FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

    SPACE – Stay two meters apart from people you do not live with where possible, or one meter with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors).

    It is essential that everyone on board accepts an individual responsibility to minimize the dangers of Covid for themselves and everyone else and behaves accordingly.


    2. Booking Dates

    The main dates currently given in the Government Road Map and how they relate to our operation of Thalatta are:-

    • Before 17th May

    No bookings of any sort. Any activity and sailing of Thalatta will be restricted to crew and management of ECST.

    2.2     Between 17th May and 21st June – subject to confirmation of Stage 3 relaxation

    Day sails only. Passenger numbers limited to 12 as normal.  Rules for joining and whilst on board are described in Section 4 below.

    2.3     After 21 June – subject to confirmation of Stage 4 relaxation

    Day sails and overnight cruises will be permitted for both adult and children’s groups.  It is possible that forthcoming Government regulations may restrict the number of guests permitted to stay overnight.  At present we are assuming that a full complement of 12 will be permitted.  In the event we are forced to limit numbers then the booking party may reschedule for a later date or, if necessary, cancel and deposits will be returned.  If the booking party agrees to continue with the reduced numbers, the ECST will reduce the charter by the cost of provisioning food only (since all other costs for crew and use of the vessel remain the same).


    3. Pre-Booking Information

    Our primary objective is that everyone coming onboard Thalatta has an enjoyable and safe trip

    It is important that those joining Thalatta should be made aware of how ECST will organize both their and the crew’s safety between joining and leaving the vessel. 

    Copies of these notes should be circulated to everyone coming on board.  ECST reserves the right to refuse permission to anyone not cooperating with the crew to ensure adherence to our safety procedures.


    4. Safe Boarding Procedures

    4.1     Day Sails

    In general, day sales will comprise groups of unrelated people and our intention is to ensure that no one with any covid symptoms comes on board.

    All persons joining will be asked to declare that there is no covid in their immediate household and that they do not exhibit any of the recognized Covid symptoms of:

    – high temperature
    – a new, continuous cough
    – a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

    Those joining will be asked to remain separated before coming on board. A temperature check may be performed before boarding at the crew’s discretion. Anyone exhibiting a temperature of more than 38C will, regretably not be permitted to board.

    Whilst not obligatory, ECST strongly suggests that anyone joining should show proof of:-

    • 2 vaccinations

    Or

    • a negative lateral flow test conducted in the previous 48 hours. 

    Free lateral flow tests are now available for delivery to anyone’s home address and can be ordered over the internet from

     https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

    These are self-administered and the results can be uploaded to Test & Trace directly using the NHS covid-19 App on any smart phone.

    In absence of the foregoing, ECST reserves the right to insist that the crew be allowed to administer a lateral flow test on the dockside before boarding.  There will be no cost for this test but anyone wanting one is asked to arrive 30 minutes before the specified joining time so that delays can be minimized.  Clearly, a positive test will prevent boarding

    4.2     Adult Overnight Charters

    Adult overnight charters are likely to comprise groups of unrelated people who know one another before joining and have probably travelled together to join Thalatta.   For these reasons they present the greatest risk of having Covid before joining and our intention is to minimize the chance of anyone with any covid symptoms coming on board.

    All persons joining will be asked to complete a declaration that there is no covid in their immediate household and that they do not exhibit any of the recognized Covid symptoms of:-

    – high temperature
    – a new, continuous cough
    – a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste

    Those joining will be asked to remain separated before coming on board. A temperature check may be performed before boarding at the crew’s discretion. Anyone exhibiting a temperature of more than 38C will, regrettably, not be permitted to board.

    Whilst not obligatory, ECST strongly suggests that anyone joining should show proof of:-

    • 2 vaccinations

    Or

    • a negative lateral flow test conducted in the previous 48 hours. 

    Free lateral flow tests can be delivered to anyone’s home address and can be ordered over the internet from

     https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

    These are self-administered and the results can be uploaded to Test & Trace directly using the NHS covid-19 App on any smart phone.

    In absence of the foregoing, ECST reserves the right to insist that the crew be allowed to administer a lateral flow test on the dockside before boarding.  There will be no cost for this test but anyone wanting one is asked to arrive 30 minutes before the specified joining time so that delays can be minimized.  Clearly, a positive test will prevent boarding

    In the event of a positive test the crew will determine the risk posed to the rest of the party depending on how that person joined (for example, someone who has made their way to the boat independently probably presents little risk to the remainder of the party).

    Party’s that are spending more than 3 night on board will be asked to repeat a lateral flow test during the second and, if appropriate, the fourth days of the trip.

    4.3     Children Overnight Charters

    For school trips we will operate exactly as if the students were still at school in terms of behaviour, testing and social distancing.  Schools are asked to provide their own lateral flow tests etc. and the accompanying teachers/ responsible adults will be expected to supervise the children and give clear guidance to the crew of any special needs

    4.4     Day & Overnight Charters for those less able or with medical Conditions

    These should be treated exactly as for school groups.  The crew will work with the responsible adults/ leaders in advance of the trip to ensure that any special precautions can be identified and implemented.


    5. Staying Safe While On Board

    These guidelines apply whenever anyone on board and will be reviewed regularly throughout the season and will be relaxed or strengthened in accordance with any advice received from Government. 

    5.1     On Deck

    Operating in the open air presents fewer risks and providing the hands, face and space guidance is borne in mind all should be well.  However, some thought should be given to the risks posed by:

    Anchoring, winching & sail handling – these pose the greatest potential risk as heads and hands are of necessity close together.  When hauling up the anchor the hydraulic motor will be used as this is the main activity where close head to head exertion cannot be avoided. Masks may be worn for sail handling.  It is important that when working in close proximity to someone else time is kept to a minimum and whenever possible people should not be face to face.

    Masks – generally masks are unlikely to be much use on deck in terms of getting wet, blowing off and causing pollution.  Nevertheless, anyone feeling safer wearing one should be encouraged to do so and the remainder of the crew should be considerate of that wish. If anyone cannot wear a mask for medical or other reason then the crew must be informed and all on board will be made aware.

    Hand sanitizing – hand sanitizer will be readily accessible on deck and everyone should be encouraged to use it, particularly after operating equipment such as wheel, winches & rigging.  It is important to remember that hand sanitizer is slippery and therefore application should be after doing any job to avoid risk of injury.  A hand fogging disinfecting unit will be located near to the wheel and will be used when there is a helm change.

    Face masks – a supply of free disposable facemasks will be available on board for all to use as needed.

    Companionway – limit access to companionway to one person at a time.  Suggest using sanitizer after exiting at top and bottom.

    Dinghies when going ashore – difficult to maintain social distancing when in the dinghies but it will help if everyone is facing forward (and outward). Shouting/ singing should be discouraged.  Everyone will be asked to wear masks and apply sanitizer on entry and exit.  When going ashore it should be stressed that crews should not mix with anyone outside their own bubble.

    5.2     Down below

    Time spent below presents the greatest opportunity for spreading Covid while onboard.  The risks can be minimized by adhering to the guidelines below.

    Ventilation – whenever possible (subject to the weather) all hatches should remain open to always allow the maximum airflow below decks.  Maintaining personal space is particularly important.  Activities such as shouting, singing and games where participants are in close proximity should be discouraged.

    Dining – if practical, meals should be taken above decks or in shifts (by Watch) to maximize space around the main dining table.

    Sleeping – Still to be finally resolved.  All individual cabins to be used in preference to hammocks.  Hammocks will be reconfigured, if practical, to maximize inter person space.  Everyone staying overnight must bring their own sleeping bag and pillows.

    Lifejackets – each person will be allocated their own lifejacket, hanging hook and stowage box for their belongings. Lifejackets will be thoroughly sanitized before each trip.

    Wet weather gear – New lightweight wet weather gear of various sizes will be purchased prior to the first trip and each person must use only the gear issued to them. All gear will be thoroughly sanitized before the start of each trip.

    Toilets and washroom – only one person at a time. Use antiseptic spray and disposable towels on items that have been touched (e.g., taps, toilet pump).

    Crew quarters – must remain private unless accompanied by a member of the crew.

    5.3     Onboard hygiene

    Vessel cleaning – Thalatta will be cleaned below decks before every trip. This will be carried out using an onboard antiseptic fogging machine.  During overnight trips fogging will take place daily in the morning and evening.

    Washrooms and toilets – will be cleaned each day (as usual) with antiseptic materials. During the day, users will be expected to leave these areas in a clean and antiseptic state.

    Meal preparation – will always be under the supervision of a crew member.  Masks and gloves are to be worn by those preparing and handling food.  Hand hygiene is of paramount importance.


    6. Actions if Covid Breaks Out During a Trip

    Day Sails – should anyone shows symptoms of Covid during a day sail, the person involved will be isolated in a designated cabin and Thalatta will return to her berth.  Everyone on board will be asked to return home and report to Track & Trace for instructions on self-quarantining. ECST will also inform Track & Trace that there has been a potential outbreak and provide the requested contact information of those involved.

    The crew will then take daily lateral flow tests and, in conjunction with ECST management, a decision will be made whether to defer later bookings and if further actions are required.

    Adult Overnight charters – if anyone shows symptoms of Covid during an overnight charter, the same procedure as for day sails will be followed.

    Children’s overnight charters – The responsible adults/ teachers will follow the procedures in place at their school for when a positive test occurs and will arrange transport home for the child.  The crew will take actions as for day sails above.


    7. Crew Covid Safety

    All crew members will follow all the same safety precautions outlined in the previous sections.

    Crew members will be vaccinated in accordance with government timescales and additionally, will take a lateral flow test within 24 hours of each charter’s departure and every 2 days during overnight charters.

    To assist with the extra work involved in maintaining Covid security, a 4th hand will be on board during overnight trips and also during day sails if experience shows it to be necessary.