Corona: Opening of the harbours in Schleswig-Holstein subject to conditions

Mooring is permitted again in Schleswig-Holstein's harbours as of today, with new relaxations in light of falling case numbers. Overnight stays as guest moorings in harbours are possible again, but only with a negative test, which must be renewed every 72 hours. Not all harbours have resumed operations yet.

On the country's official website, questions on the subject of "Rules in marinas" are answered in the "FAQ" section. There it says:

(...) Electricity and water may be accessible. However, sanitary facilities are closed except for the toilets. Sanitary facilities may be opened from 17 May, provided a hygiene concept is in place.

In principle, the general contact avoidance rules apply everywhere. There are exceptions for slipping and craning so that boats can be lowered into the water. The contact avoidance rules are cancelled for these if a corresponding hygiene concept is in place. The above-mentioned distancing rules apply in all cases. Mixing of groups must be avoided.

Can you stay overnight in marinas?

You may spend the night on your own pleasure craft on your own seasonal berth, subject to the above-mentioned contact avoidance rules.

From 17 May, overnight stays in foreign harbours are permitted again. The prerequisite for this is that a test has been carried out in a test centre with a negative result before the start of the trip. This result must be carried and presented to the harbour operator. A further test must be carried out at a test centre no later than 72 hours after the first test. If the port is to be changed within these 72 hours, a new test must be carried out at a test centre before calling at the next port for an overnight stay. In general, "port hopping" should be avoided because of the contacts involved.

The complete list of questions on the new regulation, which applies until 6 June, and the new rules can be found here here (click).

However, it is important for crews to know that although marinas are now allowed to accommodate guest mariners again, not all harbours have actually resumed operations - also because the operators still have to clarify how the new, sometimes very impractical, rules can be implemented at all. It is therefore always advisable to contact the destination harbour before entering and enquire about the current status.

The article was updated on 18 May.