Welcome to the Coronavirus Hub

Accessible to all, it is here that we will be sharing the very latest Government advice, together with business support tools, guidance and best practice. This page shows the latest headline announcements made by the UK and the devolved nation governments. For full details of the latest restrictions for each devolved nation please see the devolved nations tab on the right hand side.

Don't forget, our Membership Services team is also fully operational and on standby to take your calls (01784 223663/ membership@britishmarine.co.uk). We offer a wide range of services including legal advice, technical guidance and crisis management support.

Prime Minister announces the end of COVID-19 restrictions - 15/07/2021

Earlier this week Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that England would move to Step 4 in its route map.

Speaking alongside the chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer he said that whilst more restrictions were being lifted we could not simply revert to life as it was before COVID-19.

The Prime Minister also said that whilst the requirement for social distancing was being lifted, he expected and recommended that people continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces to help limit the spread of the virus.

As a result of the changes, from the 19 July there will be no restrictions on the numbers that can meet – including in both indoor and outdoor settings. In addition, the restrictions on the number of people which can attend weddings and funerals will be removed. Large-scale events will not require certification and table service at bars and restaurants will not be mandatory.

Our members should note that whilst the Government requirement to work at home is being relaxed from this date, ministers do not expect the whole country to return as soon as possible. Further guidance for businesses will be issued over the summer on a gradual return to the office.

British Marine members can read the announcement in full here.

Our members should note that the devolved administrations have adopted different approaches and this advice therefore only applies to England.

Conducting a risk assessment

Members should also note that it is a legal requirement for businesses to undertake a risk assessment process to help mitigate the risks of Covid-19 for their staff, customers and contractors. The Health and Safety Executive has a dedicated webpage designed to help businesses complete this. You can find more information on risk assessments and what you need to do here.

We would advise boaters to check the latest advice from their navigation authority before travelling.

Guidance on marina responsibilities from the Department for Transport

British Marine has sought clarification from DfT on the publication of international travel advice and the requirement to check COVID-19 measures have been followed by international travellers.

Following our engagement with the department, we can confirm that there is no requirement for marinas to check border measures have been followed by persons onboard pleasure craft when they arrive in the UK. If there is a requirement for Border Force to attend they will check the border requirements and take any appropriate action if needed.

How British Marine can help you

We would encourage our members to read the most up to date information and advice from the Government. Members can visit the dedicated NHS webpage which provides further information on symptoms and what to do if you think you might have the Coronavirus.

For advice on hire conditions and cancellations related to COVID-19, members should contact our membership services team for details of the Epoq legal helpline.

Please contact us If your business is affected to ensure we can discuss the support available with you.

The information on this webpage is provided as general guidance. Although British Marine tries to ensure that all of the information is accurate and up to date, this cannot be guaranteed owing to the very fast moving situation. Members should review the Government’s full guidance themselves by following the links in this webpage and should keep up to date with the Government’s latest announcements. The information on this webpage should not be construed as constituting professional advice and we would always advise that members consider seeking appropriate professional advice before taking or refraining from taking any action.

UK Government sets out further guidance on new relationship with EU

10 Mar 2021

British Marine is sharing the latest information from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to help businesses adjust to the UK's new relationship with the EU.

British Marine reacts to Spring Budget 2021 Red letter day for the marine industry

03 Mar 2021

After months of extensive consultation and discussion with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), I am delighted that the Chancellor has today announced that the entitlement to use red diesel will be maintained for all commercial boat operators and for private pleasure craft users in Great Britain.

Prime Minister sets out timeline for easing of restrictions in England with advice for boaters and marine industry expected imminently

25 Feb 2021

Earlier this week the Prime Minister set out details of when further restrictions are likely to be eased across England.

COVID-19 guidelines for marine brokerages

17 Feb 2021

It has come to British Marine’s attention that there have been some instances of leisure marine boat brokers continuing to arrange physical viewings with clients onboard vessels and we would like to remind our members of the current guidelines and applicable law.