Border updates: the Antipodes

CURRENT NEWS / Australia
21 October 2021

Arguably the best place to be during a pandemic is on a yacht at sea, though navigating the border restrictions can be a challenge. We look at the latest developments in the Antipodes.

Written by Clare Wray

IN THE POST-COVID world, the protocols and procedures for superyachts cruising the world will undoubtedly change and adapt to medical advice, political will and technological advancement.

GSR will keep speaking with government authorities, captains and shore agents to keep our collective finger on the pulse of what superyachts should expect when on the Great Southern Route.

We will bring the information as it comes to hand, however, we strongly recommend always checking with your preferred shore support agent as changes can be rapid and hard for us to verify.

Following are the latest updates from the Antipodes.

The Opera House, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales.

Australia

15 October 2021

“Australia’s international border will open to all fully vaccinated arrivals without quarantine from 1 November for entry into New South Wales.

New South Wales is the first state to reach the fully vaccinated target of 80% and will be the first to open to quarantine free travel, other states are expected to follow in due course as they reach the 80% target.

Superyacht Australia remains at the service of vessel agents to assist with the processing of all COVID-19 related exemptions in order to facilitate the arrival of foreign vessels into Australia.”

David Good, Superyacht Australia (More Detail)

23 August 2021

“Australia remains open to superyachts and crew under a case by case exemption procedure. Australia’s Covid-19 restrictions are to be progressively removed based on swiftly increasing vaccination rates.

“Currently, superyachts and crew can arrive in Australia but must follow strict 14 days quarantine upon arrival. A significant reduction of inbound flight arrivals occurred from 14 July with crew rotations difficult to achieve as a result of the restrictions.”

Superyacht Australia

29 September 2021

“The summer will see the usual arrivals of yachts and small craft into New Zealand. As with last year the New Zealand maritime border remains closed. If everyone on board the vessel is a New Zealander, the vessel is free to come home. For those onboard who do not hold a New Zealand passport, an application for exemption will need to be made via the Ministry of Health.

“Vessels must observe a 14-day self-isolation period which begins following the last contact the vessel has had with anyone that is not already on board. People should plan the journey so that as much of the isolation period as possible can be completed at sea. If the vessel arrives prior to having observed 12 days of isolation, everyone on board will be required to go into a Managed Isolation Facility. For those arriving on day 12, the remaining days can be observed on board at Opua port in Northland. Anchoring offshore is not permitted.

“Arriving vessels must provide advance notice of arrival which can be managed through the NZ Customs website.”

NZ Marine (Ministry of Health | NZ Customs)

2 September 20021

“After researching government advice, including through Worksafe and Sport New Zealand websites, NZ Marine brings to your attention that under Alert Level 3, certain marine business activities can take place, subject to the related health and safety requirements being adhered to.”

NZ Marine (More Detail)

1 September 2021

“Auckland, Northland and Far North are at Alert Level 4 while the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 3. Level 3 means that until further notice, all recreational water-based activities involving sailing boats, motorised craft or motorised equipment, are not permitted.”

NZ Marine (More Detail)

18 May 2021

“The newly implemented air travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand, combined with an existing sea border exemption for vessels, means New Zealand is now open to business for cruising yachts and superyachts coming from Australia.

“Cruising craft and superyachts departing Australia can gain entry to New Zealand, under an exemption for vessels with NZ$50,000 in service or refit bookings.

With the implementation of a new air border agreement, owners’ family and friends who either have an Australian passport or have been allowed into Australia (and have spent an additional 14 days in Australia after isolation), can fly to New Zealand through the Australian/New Zealand trans-Tasman bubble and join their vessel.”

NZ Marine

24 February 2021

“It has emerged that there is no legal provision for New Zealand domiciled workers to board an international vessel before it has completed the required 14-day quarantine and if deemed low risk by a Medical Officer of Health unless they are working on a necessary task as defined in the Maritime Border Order (MBO). This means that if a New Zealand domiciled worker joins an international vessel under quarantine for any reason other than to undertake a necessary task, they are contravening the MBO as it currently stands.

“Workers fulfilling necessary tasks are authorised to board vessels in order to complete the necessary tasks, however, other tasks/duties are not explicitly allowed by the MBO. This includes such activities as a seafarer joining and sailing on a vessel as a member of crew. The relevant government border agencies are working together to resolve this situation and Maritime NZ will be in contact once they have more information.”