Recent updates and guidelines from Governments and Maritime bodies to limit the spread of COVID-19 have left a lot of sailors around the country asking whether they are still able to partake in a day on the water.

As we have all found with the COVID-19 outbreak, the updates to rules, guidance and regulations have been constant with regular changes and progressions.

On Sunday night the Prime Minister announced a tightening of restrictions in relation to social gatherings, whilst the Victorian Government implemented Level 3 restrictions on Monday which included on-the-spot fines for those leaving home for reasons other than:

•    Obtaining food or other goods and services
•    Travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home
•    Exercise
•    Medical or caring reasons

With their Premier describing exercise as ‘a walk round the block or a bike ride to stretch your legs and get some fresh air’, it means Victorians going sailing currently face on-the-spot fines for going sailing.

Whilst the guidelines from Maritime Safety Victoria and Government in Victoria are clear, there are some inconsistencies around the nation as to the status of sailing as an essential exercise activity.

Australian Sailing is currently working to seek clarity from Maritime agencies and Governments in each State. Whilst we do, we are advising sailors to stay at home and stay safe, which means staying off the water for the time being. 

This is an extremely fluid situation. Australian Sailing is committed to helping sailors around the country best understand the rules and regulations in their local jurisdiction. Our role is not to set policy, but to best interpret the guidelines as set by State and Federal Governments for sailors and inform you.

Single-handed sailing is the only form of sailing that would comply with social distancing restrictions. While it is a fantastic form of exercise, it brings with it its own safety risks which we are recommending are avoided at this time.

Marine Search and Rescue services currently do not have the same capability to perform rescues on the water as they normally would. Anyone choosing to head out on the water is putting themselves – and volunteers – at increased risk.

State maritime agencies that have published information as to how they are regulating the laws in their own jurisdictions can be found here:

ACT: No specific maritime guidance- refer to ACT govt advice
NSW: NSW Government
NSW Maritime statement 2/4/20
QLD: Maritime Safety Queensland
For the latest Maritime Safety Queensland statements please click here
SA: No specific maritime guidance- refer to SA govt advice
TAS: Maritime and Safety Tasmania
VIC: Maritime Safety Victoria
WA: WA Department of Transport
WA Department of Transport COVID-19 FAQs

NT: Refer to below graphic and NT govt advice

We expect these restrictions to be in place until at least 30th June 2020, which is when the Public Health Orders are due to be reviewed. 

We will continue to provide updates on our COVID-19 Information Hub page on our website as well as through your local Australian Sailing office.

Australian Sailing recognise that there are many individuals, clubs and communities within our sport who are hurting badly as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Our thoughts are with those impacted.Sailing as a sport and a pastime has played an integral role in the history of our country. Sailors and sailing clubs are resilient. We are sure that our sport will emerge from this challenge stronger than ever, and we look forward to sharing a day on the water with you as soon as it is safe to do so again.