THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED 20TH APRIL 2021 HERE
Returning to Boating
UPDATE POST 14TH SEPTEMBER HERE
The Scottish Government published on 18th June 2020:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tourism and Hospitality Sector Guidance Scotland Link Here
Within the document the Government provides overview guidance on the re-opening of the Tourism and Hospitality sector and provides links to specific sector guidance documents.
Industry Sector Guidance HERE
Working in partnership with the Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Tourism Emergency Recovery Group (STERG) and Scottish Government Sail Scotland has with industry consultation published the following supporting the Marine Tourism sector:
Guidance Notes to Support the Phased Return of Commercial Charter Operations and Fully Serviced Sailing/Cruising Holidays Operating in and from Scottish Waters and to Support a Safe Return to Boating for Private Cruising Vessels and Leisure Users in these Waters.
V1 Issued 18th June 2020 HERE
V2 Issued 25th June 2020 HERE
V3 Issued 3rd July 2020 HERE
The document outlines a series of guidelines for commercial and leisure sailors. The document is led by the Scottish Government Route Map of What you can and cannot do. Here
The V3 document outlines:
Guidelines for Commercial Operators:
- Embarkation and Disembarkation Port
- At Sea
- On Board – Cleaning, Equipment, Clothing & Bedding, Safety Equipment
- Respecting Destinations
- General Guidelines
- UK Govt 5 step plan to safe working
- Areas of operation for coded vessels
Private Cruising Vessels and Leisure Users:
- Embarkation and Disembarkation Port
- At Sea and Respecting Destinations
Throughout the Guidelines there is reference to the responsibility of the commercial operator to have a robust risk assessment for operations and skippers to adhere to Govt advice at the time of any voyage. In addition the document highlights the expectation of all at sea to Respect Destinations and local communities.
The Safe Sailing Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the latest updates from RYA Scotland
- RYA Scotland Returning to Boating page.
Test and Protect
The Scottish Government set out guidance for hospitality businesses in Scotland, and sets out key actions and information around the collection of customer data as restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic are eased. For outdoor hospitality, it will come into effect from 6 July and for indoor hospitality it will come into effect from 15 July. From these dates, hospitality businesses serving customers who remain on the premises while engaging with the business, should gather minimal contact details from customers to support NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect service.
Further Scottish Government advice can be found at
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 2: staying safe and protecting others (physical distancing)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 2: business and physical distancing guidance
