PDF: YHCHT Update – 01/06/2020

Statement regarding access.

In line with Welsh Government’s change to Covid 19 regulations that came into force on the 1st of June 2020, YHCHT is publishing the following advice to our Harbour users.

The change in regulation now permits access and use of vessels for recreational use as an outdoor activity. At this review, there was also a change in travel regulation.

The effective meaning behind the change in regulation is that locals can access their vessels if they are within the travel restriction. The travel restriction also applies to the navigation of your vessel.

From the date of this notice, the restriction on accessing vessels and the Harbour limits are removed. However please be reminded that there is still a significant risk within the UK and measures to ensure a Covid safe return are needed.

The overriding national control measures are still vital in fighting this virus. Please ensure you adhere to these at all times.

This is a positive step towards some sense of normality but comes with challenges to YHCHT. With this in mind, we respectfully request that you bear with us and allow us reasonable time to ensure we are able to resume operations in a safe and appropriate manner. To administer this. YHCHT offers the following information that relates specifically to the different situations across the Harbour limits.

Navigation.

There is no specific restriction on Navigation with reference to Covid 19 as has been the case throughout.

We have maintained our usual provision of Aids to Navigation throughout. An updated channel chart is available on our website.

Notice to Mariners available here on our website. Please also review published Notices to Mariners and subscribe for further Navigational updates while you are there.

Vessels Moored in the River Seiont.

Harbour Users are able to access and use their vessels from the date of this notice. Please consider that the Aber bridge is not operating in the usual way. At the time of producing this statement, the bridge is only being opened by request only. I will be discussing options moving forward with Gwynedd Council and hope we can return to normal access for vessels shortly.

Vessels Moored on YHCHT owned moorings in Y Felinheli and Rowen bay.

Due to the Harbour team being furloughed YHCHT has not been in a position to maintain the moorings. At present we are not able to allow the use of these moorings. We are working on mobilising a team to undertake the inspection and maintenance as soon as possible. Please consider that there are some inherent difficulties in undertaking this task, such as favourable tides and weather, the availability of a diving team along with the un-furloughing process of our team members and of course the time to undertake the task itself. Generally, this is five tides.

We envisage that during the time between this review and the next we will undertake the inspection and maintenance.

Options for vessels that are able to gain access within the reviewed guidelines are to make contact with the Harbour Office before you launch. We will endeavour to accommodate you where we can.

Berth Holders in Doc Fictoria

At present, there is no change for users as YHCHT manage the Dock on behalf of Gwynedd Council. Currently, no authorisation has been granted by Gwynedd Council that would enable YHCHT to amend the restriction. We are assured that Gwynedd Council is ensuring they are fully compliant with regulations before they are able to offer such authorisation.

Private Moorings

Access is now permitted. Please ensure that your mooring is in a suitable condition to provide a secure mooring for your vessel. Unfortunately, YHCHT is not able to offer any inspection or maintenance service at present. Please make contact with the Harbour Master to discuss options.

Vessels stored on the Hard Cei Llechi

Access to the compound is no longer restricted.

We intend to launch your vessels as soon as possible. Although in this scenario there are some difficulties with regards to owners being present given that a number of owners are not able to travel due to regulations. I will be making contact with you all to discuss possible options shortly.

Dinghy Store

Access is no longer restricted. Please be mindful that this will be a shared space where many may come into contact with the same doors, handles and locks. Social distancing will also be a key measure. This would mean one in and one out. please allow space for users to access and egress safely.

General considerations

At this stage, we are not endorsing any overnighting on board vessels within the Harbour limits. We hope this will be considered in the next review.

Please ensure your vessels are in a seaworthy condition, and that no unnecessary risks are taken. Although the return to boating is welcomed by the boating fraternity it may not be viewed that way from the outside. Incidents need to be kept to an absolute minimum.

All of our emergency services will be facing difficulties in delivering their respective services. We have a responsibility to play our part in assisting them.

YHCHT requests that everyone that uses the Harbour Facilities do so with the utmost respect for the fight against Covid 19. We have implemented a hygiene regime and will continue to do our best to ensure a Covid safe Harbour. Door handles locks, handrails and common usage items will be regularly sanitised.

However, it will not be possible to cover every eventuality so we ask that you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe. We recommend you follow all governmental advice above all and any other advice.

Please also see the industry guidance from RYA Cymru

Cadw’n ddiogel

YHCHT