Japan
The Japan International Boat Show scheduled for March was cancelled, along with five other local boat shows planned to take place in April and May. Imported boat dealers will hold the new boat sea trials for potential customers individually from April, according to the ICOMIA report.
Marinas are open without any restrictions; Manufacturers are experiencing supply delays. For manufacturers, some parts from China have been delayed and companies are looking for alternative suppliers. There is concern about the reduction of volume due to the global demand downturn.
Hong Kong
Due to the increasing number of cases, the Government has introduced stronger measures, limiting alcohol licenses at bars and restaurants, and ordering the closure of sports clubs with private recreational leases (PRL). Several yacht clubs have closed due to the new government policies on PRL but access to boats is still open. Several yacht clubs are closed, but access to boats is still open.
According to a recent survey conducted by Hong Kong Boating Industry Association, a total of 71 per cent of employees will be affected if the downturn persists. Cancellation of both international and local boating and sailing events has had a significant-to-moderate negative impact for 75 per cent of companies in the industry.
Singapore
Bars and entertainment venues are closed from March 26-April 30. Restaurants are not affected. Schools remain open but enrichment programmes and tuition centres are closed. All arrivals have to submit a health declaration form online prior to travel. Short-term visitors (including transiting passengers) are not allowed since March 24. The cruise centre is closed.
Marinas are still open for business. Cruising in local waters is possible, but foreign arrivals will be turned away. The Singapore Yacht Show, which was scheduled for March, has been moved to October 22-25, 2020.
UAE
Since March 26, the Emirati government has issued a mandatory lockdown, while it conducts a general sterilisation campaign with the aim of controlling the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country. A curfew begins as of 20:00 (local time) up to 6.00am. Public transportation is suspended during this period. Employees of certain sectors are exempt, including police, the army, medical staff, airports, and banks, among few others. Those who do not respect the curfew period will face fines. Commercial centres, malls, and open markets are closed now for two weeks, renewable. Restaurants are ordered to exclusively offer take-out services. In addition, all international flights are suspended for different period of times and depending on destinations.
Following Government and Ministerial guidelines and measures to ensure health and safety of its residents and visitors, maritime authorities notified all maritime activities companies, yacht charter and jetski rental companies to suspend the all maritime activities until further notice. In general, boating activity in UAE and Oman is suspended, but the marinas remain open for private boat owners, provided they stay on board and don’t go out. Some luxury resort marinas with hotels are offering services and responding to owners’ requests while onboard (deliveries, etc).
In Abu Dhabi, although private boating has not been forbidden by government decree, marinas are very quiet as most members respect the government’s instructions to stay at home. All commercial activities have been halted within the marinas as per the authority’s instructions. All commercial charter, pleasure and touring activity is banned. Fishing marinas are still active, since considered a vital activity.
In general, marina offices are open according to regularly hour, but manned only by administration staff, reduced to a minimum to guarantee safety and security. Marina operational staff remain 24/7, although shifts are reduced to minimum safe manning.
Each marina adds additional precautionary measures to reduce spread of the Covid-19 virus, such as:
- introduction of increased cleaning protocols, especially for typical contact areas such as door handles, washroom, buggies, trolleys, office area and equipment, etc
- screening all employee temperatures at point of entry
- enhancement of internal health & safety training measures
- preventive measures protocol distribution to suppliers and contractors
- monitoring the situation on a daily basis and adapt accordingly
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