Government COVID Update March 2021
RBOA has received the following update on 23rd February from Fran
Read, CRT’s National Press Officer:
Following the Government’s update on Covid-19, we have updated our
guidance for boaters.
Please visit our website for further information.
Navigation in England and Wales should remain limited to essential
use only. We are closely monitoring the guidance and will confirm any
update on cruising as soon as we can.
Boaters who are not currently occupying their boat should not take short
overnight breaks on their boat during the period. Those living aboard
are advised to limit their navigation, moving only a minimal amount
to access essential facilities or services when necessary. Please moor
considerately.
Boat Licence Terms & Conditions regarding moving every 14 days will be
suspended until the restrictions come to an end. If you have any questions,
please contact your licence support officer.
How does the Government’s roadmap apply to boating?
We believe that the Government’s roadmap applies to boating in
England in the following ways – please note that this is subject to further
confirmation.
There is no change until Step 1 part 2, potentially from 29 March, when
it is anticipated that the official stay at home order will end but people
will be encouraged to stay local. Limited local boat movement may be
possible but you should avoid travelling if your boat is not located close
to where you live, and only those living aboard are permitted to make an
overnight stay.
In Step 2, from no earlier than 12th April, holiday lets are expected to
reopen. We believe that at this point cruising can be done freely and
overnight stays on boats and holiday hire boating will be allowed, as
long as you are one household or support bubble. The boat movement
suspension will be lifted (with boats required again to move every 14
days)
In Step 3, from no earlier than 17 May, indoor mixing on
your boat will be allowed with up to six people or, if it is
more people, two households.
We are awaiting further guidance on advice for Wale