superyacht Crew RYA PWC & powerboat training during covid-19 pandemic

COVID-19 has inhibited us from being able to carry out onboard training for much for the 2020 season and this continues into 2021.. 

As restrictions in some European countries start to get lifted we will be looking again at onboard training on a 'case by case' basis so please contact us if this is of interest on info@superyachtpwc.com 

PLEASE NOTE: The following items will apply in addition to our usual T&Cs in order for us to carry out onboard training during this uncertain time: 

• The country where you will be based for training must be  exempt from self-isolation rules at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules 
• You will be required to sign an agreement that if the UK government guidance changes before or whilst our training team is with you meaning they have to self-isolate on return to the UK you will be charged a daily rate for each member of staff for the self-isolation period. 
• Staff members will need to be accommodated in a local hotel rather than onboard your Yacht
• Staff members will need to be picked up / dropped off from the airport by crew car or taxi, they will not take public transport during this time. 

Due to the uncertainty of the above and the possible additional cost implications, you may wish to consider sending your crew over to the U.K. to complete their training. As Yacht crew can be exempt from self-isolation requirements, this has become a very realistic option: 

PLUS POINTS: 

• Cost Effective flights & local accommodation during off-season / non-holiday periods
• Groups of crew from the same Yacht can share accommodation thus keeping accommodation costs down
• Groups of crew from the same Yacht can share car hire
• U.K. training fees can be more cost effective than onboard training fees
• Mutually viable dates can be arranged to suit your schedule 
• All equipment provided including use of our 2020 Yamaha Jetski's 

Travel to our UK training centre: 

• Flights landing/departing from London Heathrow (2hrs) & Gatwick (2.5 hrs)

DOWNSIDES ??: 

• Some Yachts have commented that the crew attending training will not be available to carry out their other onboard duties, this is subject to debate as if/when we were carrying out onboard training those crew members would be committed to the course/s for the days that we are with you. Therefore the only day/s the Yacht 'technically' truly loses the crew from their duties are those that they are travelling to the U.K. See example schedules below:  

Seamen and masters and inspectors and surveyors of ships

Applies to:

Seamen and masters as defined in section 313(1) Merchant Shipping Act 1995, maritime pilots as defined in para 22(1) of schedule 3A of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and inspectors and surveyors of ships appointed under section 256 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or by a government of a relevant British possession as defined in section 313(1) of that Act.

You will need to complete the passenger locator form before you travel to the UK if you travel in a part of the vessel that is accessible to any passenger for any part of the journey.

You do not need to complete the passenger locator form if you travel in a part of the vessel that is not accessible to passengers or you travel on a vessel which does not carry passengers, for example fishing boats.

You will not need to self-isolate.

If you work on a ship, including fishermen, you should show a Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID) if you have one.

If you don’t have a SID, you can show your joining papers, seafarer’s employment agreement or a seafarer’s discharge book (Continuous Certificate of Discharge) instead. Alternatively, you could show a basic training certificate or declaration from the registered owners of the vessel that you are a crew member.

More info at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules