May 25, 2020 @ 8:20 AM

Party and charter boat operation guidelines 

 

Carol J Charters

Blog #2

Boat Launch, COVID -19 Operational Guidelines

We have guidance from the State on Chartering as of June 1, 2020. Due to the efforts of the President of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association, Rick Bellavance, Dean Hoxie of DEM, and many others, a comprehensive set of operational guidelines have been published.  The guidance lists physical distancing, group size, cleaning procedures and a vessel capacity formula.  The captain and crew of the Carol J have reviewed the guidance and established how it all works our customers and us. Safety has always been the first priority just slightly ahead of putting a load of fish flopping on the deck.

This is how it works on the Carol J.

For the 2020 season we can take up to 5 passengers, 1 mate.

RIPCBA vessel capacity formula outlined below:

C = (31’ x 2’) + 11’ = 73’/10 = 6.3   5 passengers + 1 mate or 6 passengers wo mate

  • Operations:   Contact names of group leader will be retained by the captain.  A positive COVID test of a crew member or guest will be filed with Dean Hoxie at dean.hoxie@dem.ri.gov
  • Physical distancing: Passengers, whenever possible, will maintain six (6) feet of physical distance between themselves and others who are not part of their household. In addition, to allow for adequate distancing, party and charter boat operators will limit cabin capacity and request passengers to remain on deck, if safe to do so, during the duration of the trip (weather permitting).  
  • Face Coverings: All persons (captain, crew, and passengers) on the boat should comply with current RIDOH regulations and executive orders regarding the wearing of face coverings during party and charter boat operations. (See Executive Order 20-30.)
  • Cleaning Procedures: In accordance with RIDOH regulations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding cleaning and disinfecting, all cabins, heads, commonly touched surfaces, and equipment on the boat or used by passengers (e.g. fishing poles or nets) should be sanitized between trips and at the end of the day. The entire boat should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a day. Additionally, soap and water and/or hand sanitizer will be readily available for frequent hand cleaning.