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Home > News > Update From Brightlingsea Harbour

Update From Brightlingsea Harbour

Published 12:36 on 13 May 2020

The following statement has been released by Brightlingsea Harbour at lunchtime today (Wednesday 13 May). As noted in last week's BSC Buzz, the General Committee is meeting to review the club's position this evening and a formal statement to members will follow tomorrow.

Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners Covid-19 Update 13 May 2020

Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners are adjusting their stance in line with recent Government guidance (published May 11th) to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but allow for the reopening of public spaces and activities from Wednesday 13th May 2020. This includes the ability to spend time outdoors for recreation including unlimited exercise or sport, where (unless from the same household) social distancing can be maintained.

Having reviewed the related Government documentation, we interpret that from Wednesday 13th May Brightlingsea Harbour can be used for local exercise, sport, or spending time outdoors, where social distancing can be maintained.

Should you wish to use your vessel please bear in mind each step of the process and how you can maintain social distancing, especially whilst accessing pontoons or landings which might become busier than normal as people venture out, as well as making every attempt to remain safe and reduce the chance of requiring outside assistance.

Please be aware your boat is considered as a second home.

The Harbour will remain closed to visiting yachtsmen (from sea) as government guidance is clear that, apart from day trips, leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at a second home for a holiday or other purpose is NOT ALLOWED. This also pertains to resident vessels cruising elsewhere; local ports will not be expecting arrivals.

The Town Jetty is open but with social distancing measures in place, please pay attention to the signage and any directions you are given by the harbour staff.

Crabbing is not permitted from the jetty as this cannot be managed within the current social distancing guidelines.

Those wishing to launch boats may do so, however they should liaise with Harbour office or their particular boatyard or club prior to doing so.

Until further notice the Water Taxi will run 7 days a week, but only between 08:00 and 17:00, monitoring VHF channel 68. Crews will be delivered to boats independently, no mixed crews. This will mean waiting at some times.

Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners will attempt to monitor activity to the best of our ability and may impose limits or restrictions on accessing certain facilities (or busy areas) should their use prove to be concerning.

The Harbour Office is open with social distancing measures, able to take card payments, sell tokens, etc, in a safe manner, please take direction from staff. We continue to monitor our phones and email Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00.

All staff are operating to a revised risk assessment to ensure their (and others) ongoing safety in line with current Government guidelines. We anticipate this safe system of work may have to be adjusted without notice to follow any further guidelines which may influence our services or to adapt to local issues as they are identified.

The Brightlingsea/Point Clear/East Mersea ferry is not in service.

Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners have had to interpret the government guidelines so as to provide a balance between social distancing and your ability to enjoy the water. We reserve the right to review these measures at any time if it is clear that social distancing is not or cannot be maintained in the course of enjoying the harbour.

The Harbour Commissioners will continue to review Government guidance and update our own guidance by early July at the latest. We appreciate your continued support in maintaining safe and efficient harbour operations whilst being able enjoy the benefits of getting afloat.

Last updated 12:28 on 4 March 2024

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