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/
Please see latest update below.
Notice to Mariners Coronavirus COVID19 16032020
F450-01 COVID-19 – Maritime Declaration of Health (002)
Please find latest information from our friends at Subsea 7 regarding tow-out operations. Follow link below .
Activities in Sinclairs Bay East and North Bundles
NTM 01-2020 Light Daymark re-established on Port Lateral Mark (Wick Bay)
And just like that we are now into 2020….
At the end of November 2019 cargo vessel SMN Explorer was in with towheads for Subsea 7 . Further shipments of towheads will be arriving in the harbour during the early part of 2020.
photo courtesy Alan McGee Images
Fuel boat Antares was in 5 January 2020. 
