NSW Maritime appreciates that many boaters and community members have questions about the public health orders and how they relate to water-based activities.
From 26 June 2021, NSW Government Public Health Orders have been updated requiring people in Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour) to stay at home until 11.59pm on Friday, 9 July 2021 unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’. View the latest rules.
Unless you have an essential need to be out – stay home.
A ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home to use your vessel could be to:
- limited recreation (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling/fishing etc);
- get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home;
- get groceries; and
- provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the family.
Socialising or cruising on the water is not a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home. Full Maritime details: https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/maritime/covid-19-update.html
Remember, physical distancing and gathering rules apply at all times – including at the boat ramp and on your boat. For details on gathering and distance requirements, check the NSW Government website.
Skippers must also remember their other safety responsibilities regarding safety equipment, alcohol consumption, keeping a proper lookout and proceeding at a safe speed.
For the latest information on coronavirus and current restrictions, members of the community are encouraged to check the NSW Government website for regular updates.