Worldwide Covid-19 restrictions effectively mean that most, if not all, cruising, is currently prohibited or severely restricted. The situation and the measures being taken by various governments are fast moving. Looking ahead, CA’s RATS (Regulations and Technical Services) group 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’s RATS (Regulations and Technical Services) group 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 on board, 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.
www.theca.org.uk/public/covid_19_cruising_restrictions provides the current status of European and Mediterranean Cruising Grounds.
The Cruising Association (CA) is Britain’s leading organisation for cruising sailors with around 6,400 members in over 40 countries worldwide. The advice given is provided as an example of the wealth of information available to CA members via member-only web pages and forums.
In addition to valuable content from the CA’s Regulations and Technical Services group (RATS), members can also tap into a vast array of information and advice wherever they are in the world, through the website and through the cruising app, CAptain’s Mate.
