The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has released updated guidance regarding the operation of boatyards, marinas and yacht clubs during this stage of the Coronavirus crisis. This updates the regulations previously provided last week (and available at https://www.apslaw.com/its-your-business/2020/04/03/covid-19-effect-on-marine-businesses-in-ri/ ).

RIDEM reminds businesses that any person coming to the state for a non-work-related purpose must immediately self-quarantine for a period of 14 days. This is particularly applicable to the marine sector, with vessels arriving as Rhode Island’s summer season draws near.

Additionally RIDEM has required that: marine businesses remain secure so that admittance can be monitored by owners/operators; those working on vessels should be cautioned about social distancing; any retail sales be for curbside pickup only; and vessels arriving from out of state should be provided with public health documents (available at https://health.ri.gov/covid) and directed to report to the RI Department of Health to register. The state has particularly emphasized that marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs should limit the use of their facilities to RI resident seasonal slip holders only. The use of such facilities by transient and out of state boaters is expressly prohibited.