The Master (Person in Charge), as always, is the person responsible for the crews safety. Additionally in a pandemic, the Master will also bare the responsibility to ensure the crew does not infect or become infected by any illness. The safety of the crew starts weeks before stepping on the vessel. The Master should prepare using three tools:
1) Communication Strategy - using the latest advice from local authorities or (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/playing-sports.html) ensure that the team is aware of all symptoms and best practices. If testing is required, provide the information on where testing is and understand the lead times needed for results. Remind the team that the results, if negative only means that it was negative at the time they were tested and that extreme care must be taken to remain negative. Captains should have a system to notify their entire crew with the date(s) of any race this crew member was aboard, reaching back for at least 14 days. It is 100% the crew member’s option whether they want to be identified to the rest of the crew. The captain must relay the notification to the crew within 48 hours. Captains will notify the race organizers immediately if there is a suspected or confirmed cases among their crew, with the date(s) of any race the crew member was aboard reaching back for 14 days prior to any diagnosis. Again, it is 100% the crew member’s option whether they want to be identified to the race organizers.
2) Isolation Strategy (Bubble) - Sailors are very used to the idea of pulling together to ensure the safety of each member of our sailing community. During a pandemic, the expectations are no different. Safety is expected of all of us and also in every race we participate in. This commitment needs to be enacted by race organizers, athletes and all participants. Additional compliance with Social Distancing and local guidelines before, during, and after all events need to be strongly monitored in order to ensure that - post event that families and loved ones are also protected. To assist with everyone’s safety, minimizing gatherings is essential to reducing the chance of contracting any virus. It is important,,, and with half of the world working remotely right now, TEAM BUBBLES are easier than ever. (See Below)
3) Identify who is in Charge - Place a person/team in charge of team rules/regatta rules, give them authority, give them resources and tools (thermometers, resources for information, procedures and authority).
Extraordinary Events = Extraordinary Efforts. Today - Every boat, event and regatta needs a person responsible and trained in pandemic management. Temperature checks prior to getting on a boat or entering a regatta may be the future and when participants show symptoms of any illness you will need to initiate a plan. What is your plan?
The Ministry of Sailing has written policies and procedures for this. Call us to discuss how we can help you, your team or your regatta.
