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A Message from Roads & Maritime Services (RMS)
We are taking this opportunity to keep you informed and updated on the Government COVID-19 restrictions and how they apply to boating during this unusual and ever changing time. The following update to the restrictions will help with the regulation of our waterways, and provide advice to boaters, particularly as we approach the Easter long weekend and NSW school holidays: Unless you have an essential need to be out - stay home.
For those thinking about taking a boat out or engaging in other water activities, as applies to everyone in NSW at the moment, if you don't need to leave your home, stay home. If leaving your home, you need to know that from 31 March 2020, NSW Government Public Health Orders have been updated requiring people to stay at home unless they have a 'reasonable excuse'. A 'reasonable excuse' to leave your home to use your boat could be to:
1. exercise (e.g. kayaking/sailing/paddling/fishing etc); 2. get to and from work, where the work cannot reasonably be performed from home; 3. get groceries; and 4. provide assistance, care or support to an immediate member of the person's family.
Socialising or cruising on the water is not a reasonable excuse to leave your home.
If you have a reasonable excuse to leave your home, social distancing rules always apply - at the boat ramp and on your boat. When on a private boat, because it is not a public place, the restriction on gatherings of more than 2 people does not apply. However, the skipper is to ensure there is 4 square metres of space for each person on board. If there is not 4 square metres of space per person, the skipper will not be complying with the Public Health Order.
Onshore activities
When onshore, do not gather with more than 2 people unless with members of the same household. This applies in any public place. 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 (http://nsw.gov.au) for regular updates. Transport for NSW remains focused on keeping you and the customer safe as a key priority.