Yachting: Covid update

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The yachting industry is one of the many industries which have been affected by government restrictions and quarantine rules in the pandemic. Restrictions have been introduced under Infectious Disease Prevention Regulations and Decrees of the Cyprus Ministry of Health. These have had an impact on the use and movement of yachts.

The Deputy Ministry of Shipping has taken proactive measures under these Regulations and Decrees, and issued Circulars addressed to owners of commercial and private boats with a capacity of up to 500GT offering guidance. Some of the rules, presently in force, are:-

(a) On all commercial yachts that continue their activities and which employ crew or carry passengers not residing permanently on the yacht, the use of protective masks by all is mandatory.

(b) The maximum number of passengers on private yachts may not exceed 12 persons.

(c) Locally, the sailing of private yachts is allowed to an area of sea for swimming, diving or fishing purposes. Passengers may go to the point of departure of the yacht (Marina) provided they obtain a permit (SMS) for exceptional movement for physical exercise or individual sport.

(d) Departure for international sailing is permitted.

(e) The operation of coastal passenger ships has been suspended until the 28th of February 2021, except for repairs, dry dock etc.

Crewing the vessels, as for shipping, has also faced challenges. However, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping very early on, identified the problem, and procedures have been put in place, which have been seen to be working effectively. For crew changes in ports of Cyprus, the current relevant Circular of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping is No. 4/2021 . For crew changes involving crew members regardless of nationality which, in the 14 preceding days before their arrival in Cyprus, were in countries belonging only to categories A or B, or were onboard vessels which did not dock at any port, or which docked only at ports of countries belonging to categories A or B, no approval is required from the Shipping Deputy Ministry. Crew members intending to enter Cyprus through an airport, bound for enlistment on a vessel in ports of Cyprus should obtain the Cyprus Flight Pass (see www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy), providing all information, data and declarations required, and should hold the Cyprus Flight Pass before boarding the flight and before their arrival. For crew members of vessels, whose flight originates from a country other than category A and B country, the Cyprus Flight Pass may be obtained with the responsibility of the local ship agent representing the vessel in Cyprus. The agent must within 14 days before the flight, obtain special entry permission, through www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy.

Important note: This information is constantly changing and before travel anyone intending to travel should re-check the regulations applying at the relevant time.