Scottish Government restrictions on travel are expected to be lifted on Friday 3 July 2020. Our marina will re-open to visitors on this date subject to Scottish Government advice and the usual physical distancing measures. Marina showers and toilets will remain closed meantime subject to completion of a new risk assessment. Hopefully this will enable us to re-open these facilities by 8 July 2020. We are committed to moving through the Scottish Government`s phased Routemap in a planned and measured way, keeping our community, customers and staff safe.
We would encourage all Leisure Users and Private Cruising Vessels intending to visit Wick Marina to read over the following very useful guidance from Sail Scotland which can be found at https://www.sailscotland.co.uk/news/posts/2020/safe-sailing-guidelines-covid-19
Apply the 3 Cs :
Be Considerate – mindful of the potential impact you could have on the RNLI and other emergency services. Consider our local area and whether your visit risks adversely impacting our community.
Be Conservative – check your vessel, your equipment, the forecast, plan your route and KNOW YOUR LIMITS.
Be Consistent – follow existing safety protocols.
Please call ahead to Harbour Office on 01955 602030 to check on berth availability. We encourage the use of contactless or cashless payments.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Since the inception of the new management Board of Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in 2005 its purpose is to manage, maintain and develop the harbour in the best interests of the local community. As custodians of the Harbour of Wick on behalf of the community its current vision is “to create a modern port business with a diverse portfolio of activities that is commercially sustainable in the long term and to create 500 plus quality jobs by 2030”.
In order to increase growth WHA recognised a High Water Protection Gate (HWPG) in the outer entrance would be the most cost-effective option to stop the surge in both the Inner and Outer Harbours and provide safe moorings for all users of the harbour. This project will require the development of a robust and detailed business plan that can be presented to both public and private funders to ensure that funding for the project can be secured.
WHA have produced a draft business plan and it now requires to be developed further, such that it will address the needs of both public and private funders to enable WHA to secure the necessary funding for the HWPG.
ABOUT THE SUPPLIER’S SELECTION PROCESS
The ITT will be scored on the following: Project Execution Methodology (including examples of previously successful similar marine/harbour projects), Resource Capability for those who will undertake the scope of work, Programme and Price.
Interested parties may obtain a full ITT description from office@wickharbour.co.uk
Deadlines :
Response to Invitation to Tender : 22 June 2020 4pm
Tender close date : 24 July 2020 4pm
Contract award date : 7 August 2020
Contract start date : 10 August 2020
Port Information Notice 16 June 2020 regarding construction works
PIN 1-2020 (003).
COVID 19 – UPDATE
An announcement is expected Thursday 28 May 2020 from the Scottish Government regarding unrestricted outdoors exercise and non-contact outdoor activities in the local area .
Transport Scotland have provided the following update :
“The plan in Scotland is for marine leisure activities to resume in Phase 1, which is expected to start on Thursday 28 May 2020. The decision was taken by Ministers fairly late in the day to include water sports in Phase 1 of the Routemap.
Active Scotland will be producing updated outdoor exercise and recreation guidance detailing what activities are permissible. They will also be working, through Sport Scotland, with the governing bodies involved, to assess that their guidance for participants is adhering to all necessary government guidance. In terms of facilities, the focus is on OUTDOOR activity only, so no INDOOR facility access is anticipated.
Active Scotland envisage this covering, from a sporting perspective :
Canoeing
Rowing – single & pairs and Coastal
Sailing/Boating
Surfing
Open Water Swimming
The governing bodies of these sports have been working together, in discussion with HM Coastguard to develop guidance on the return to activity. No indoor access to facilities will be permitted.”
Provided the go ahead is given by the Scottish Government tomorrow Thursday 28 May 2020 Wick Harbour Authority is pleased to announce leisure vessel owners will be permitted to attend and launch their vessels should they so wish.
We must emphasise that STRICT SOCIAL DISTANCING rules are observed at all times and we rely on the goodwill and common sense of vessel owners/crew regarding this . In addition harbour staff will be monitoring this.
Further information on vessel launching will follow in due course once the situation becomes clearer.
We have been following the Government’s advice in respect of Coronavirus and have measures in place to limit risks to port users, our staff, emergency services and the public. As the country moves towards the easing of certain provisions of the lockdown there will be an understandable interest from many leisure users who want to get back out onto the water. While we are keen to see this eventually, we will need to assess the Government’s latest guidance in respect of what activities and essential travel will be permitted.
Furthermore, even when we are able to reopen our facilities, stakeholders should be aware that arrangements to preserve social distancing will be needed. This means that there are likely to be certain measures we need to enforce that could alter what users and visitors can do. In the meantime we thank you for your patience and support. We will continue to monitor the situation and will advise of any further updates in due course.
As the weeks progress Wick Marina and its facilities remains closed until further notice due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to the current situation, the usual seasonal maintenance activities undertaken by boat users/leisure customers would be regarded as non-essential activity and we would ask all our stakeholders to refrain from these tasks until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update our customers with any change to this advice as it becomes available.
Harbour staff are still working maintaining the core elements of our business operation supporting vessel movements, cargo operations etc and although Harbour Office remains closed to all members of the public any enquiries can still be made by phoning Harbour Office on 01955 602030 or alternatively e-mail office@wickharbour.co.uk
We have been asked by our friends at Subsea 7 Wester site to share the following launch information.
Click on the link below
Activities in Sinclairs Bay Equinor – Snorre North Bundle (006) (1)
We have received the following Notice To Mariners from Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd regarding forthcoming works out at the windfarm site.
NTM-BE-00004 – Export cable
Given the rapidly changing situation with Cornoravirus COVID 2019 Wick Harbour Authority are closely monitoring new developments, taking measures to mitigate against any impact to our operations. The Harbour Authority will continue to follow the instructions, advice and guidance from the governing authorities and experts as it becomes available.
What Can You Do? Primary Control Measures from Health Protection Scotland
Everyone can reduce the risk of getting or spreading any respiratory infections (including COVID-19) by adopting the following effective prevention and treatment measures:
Maintaining good hand hygiene, including regularly washing your hands with soap after coughing, sneezing or going to the toilet, and prior to eating and drinking.
Please follow this hand cleaning technique advice sheet and wash hands for 20 seconds. http://www.nipcm.hps.scot.nhs.uk/appendices/appendix-1-best-practice-how-to-hand-wash/
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues and disposing of them immediately in nearest bin after use.
Avoiding contact with people who are unwell or that have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as their mobile phone.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
NHS Inform – https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Department for Transport – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-shipping-and-sea-ports-guidance/guidance-for-shipping-and-sea-ports-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Health Protection Scotland– https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/
World Health Organization– https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
NHS– https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
