What boat owners can do under Victoria's stage four COVID-19 crackdown

We already know that recreational boating won’t be allowed under the harsh new restrictions that hit metropolitan Melbourne the hardest. But what does it mean for the rest of the boating industry? What will happen if your boat is in for a service, or you’re waiting on a vital engine part?

Of even more concern is that September, when the hardline restrictions end, traditionally marks the kick-off point for the new fishing season in Victoria. Even as the sound of the AFL Grand Final’s closing siren rings in our ears, the state’s boating and fishing enthusiasts are already usually planning their first spring trip to the nearest waters.

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People who rush back to the water once restrictions are eased potentially face the problems that arise from unserviced and poorly maintained boats – September and October are already known as the busiest times for marine rescue services as battery systems losing the ability to hold their charge in the cold, and engines choking on stale or dirty fuel, start to fail.

The Boating Industry Association of Victoria has sought clarity on what marine dealerships and service centres are allowed to do under the new, tougher stage four restrictions that kick in from tomorrow.

Here are the answers it has received so far.

Yes. Marine retailers are allowed to remain working on site but adhering to a high-risk COVIDsafe plan mandated under the stage four restriction guidelines.

Retailers will still be able to take delivery of the parts they have already ordered, and fill current orders, but they also need to ensure that the handover of the parts remains contact-free.

Of course, if the dealer is providing goods or services for either safety agencies or essential service industries such as commercial fishing, once again it is allowed while adhering to strict COVID-19 control measures.

Like all businesses affected by the stage four lockdowns, marine retailers will need to issue their staff with a special work permit allowing them to attend the worksite.

The risk to boat owners is that if their vessel is currently in the workshop for a service, they may not get it back for the next six weeks.

That could be bad for the boat if the scheduled work is not completed during the stricter lock-down period.

Under the new, tougher stage four restrictions, the Victorian Government has given the all-clear for a marine service centre to complete the work it needs to do to a boat, under strict COVID-19 control measures.

This includes vessels that are currently mid-service and those that are in the workshop waiting for their scheduled service to take place.

The Victorian Government has indicated both marina operators and boat owners will be able to access their vessels during the stage four lockdowns for “emergency and essential matters”.

Winter is a critical time for owners of moored boats, with solar-powered battery systems hooked up to automatic bilge pumps a common point of failure – less daylight means less time to recharge.

Marina staff have the okay to visit the site to carry out maintenance and preventative environmental work, as well as providing emergency response capability such as a medical emergency, fire, oil spill, sinking boat and so on.

A physical presence at a marina is also allowed to provide security and supervise staff, and refuelling services can remain open to cater for emergency and essential services.

All these activities will need to be covered by a COVIDsafe plan.

On-water dealerships and boat owners that have vessels for sale at marinas are permitted to provide on-site care and attention when needed to protect their assets.

Under the new rules that affect manufacturing, Melbourne-based boat builders are likely to have to reduce the number of staff they have on-site by a third, in line with other large manufacturing industries throughout the state.

This is because manufacturing is regarded as a high-risk factor for the spread of coronavirus.

The move will affect brands including Bar Crusher, Haines Hunter, Southern Formula, Revival and Whittley.

It is still too early to tell what effect, if any, the six-week stage four restrictions will have on boat builders’ ability to meet their production targets.