Updated Stage 2 COVID-19 Guidance for Maine's Charter Boat Industry

Below is updated COVID-19 guidance for Maine's charter boat industry based on the Governor’s announcement yesterday exempting residents of New Hampshire and Vermont from quarantine requirements.  The update is colored red and dated

Pre-Trip Considerations

• Vessels that take 6 guests or fewer, “6 packs,” can run at maximum capacity.
  
  
• Vessels licensed to take 7 or more passengers must not exceed passenger limits established in current guidance from the Governor’s Office on gatherings.
  
  
• Crew and clients should wear face coverings when inside, or when unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.
  
  
• Communicate with clients in advance regarding operational procedures.
• Out-of-state clients must quarantine for 14 days before they board your vessel unless they are residents of New Hampshire or Vermont. Residents of New Hampshire or Vermont are exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement before they board your vessel. (Updated 6.9.20)
• Arrange for payment using online or phone payment processes.
• Avoid greeting others by shaking hands.
  
  
• Clients and employees should not participate in guided trips if they show signs of illness. Encourage clients and employees to self-screen with the following questions:
  • Have you had a cough or sore throat?
  • Have you had a fever or do you feel feverish?
  • Do you have shortness of breath?
  • Do you have loss of taste or smell?
  • Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?
  • Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?
  • Have you been out of the state in the last 14 days?
  • Guests and employees who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or answered yes to any of the above questions, will not be allowed on the trip and should seek medical care and or COVID-19 testing per CDC guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

Transportation

• Guided activities will allow for transportation of a client in the guide’s vehicle provided protective masks are worn. If multiple clients ride in the guide’s vehicle they should be from the same household unless the vehicle is large enough to separate everyone 6 feet apart. Follow Phase 2 Transportation Guidelines to the extent possible.
• Sanitize vehicles and launch vessels with EPA registered products after each trip, paying particular attention to “high-touch” surfaces.

Trip Safety/Cleaning

• Clients should provide their own water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Maintain physical distancing on-shore and on-board of 6 feet between individuals (crew, clients and other parties).
• Crew and clients should wear face coverings when indoors or when unable to maintain physical distancing.
• Face coverings that become wet must be replaced with dry face coverings.
• Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), cleaning products, hand soap, spare face coverings, gloves, tissues, paper towels, and a designated trash bin to dispose of used items should be available for clients on every trip.
  
  
• Sanitize equipment used by clients with EPA registered products after each trip paying particular attention to “high-touch” surfaces (Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, handholds & grab bars, rails, hatch latches & lids, and coolers).
• Use separate equipment for guide demonstrations.
• Equipment provided for client use such as fishing rods, paddles, life jackets, etc., must be sanitized before and after use.
• Guides may provide food in accordance with applicable provisions in Phase 2 Restaurant Guidelines
  
  
• Use posters or other signage as well as pre-trip safety briefings to remind staff, vendors, and customers regarding hand hygiene and physical distancing.
  
  
• Should a client or crew become ill on a guided trip, consult with EMS or healthcare facility for immediate guidance and end trip immediately.

• If a client, crew member or employee becomes ill while at your business:
  • Have a room, space, or seat where that individual can be isolated until transferred to home or a health care facility.
  • Provide a facemask for the ill person.
  • Notify staff, clients and vendors who came into contact with the ill person of their possible exposure to COVID-19
    
    
• Review, update, or develop workplace plans to include leave policies for crew with COVID-19 symptoms.

For guidance from The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Guided Hunting, Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Activities, visit https://www.maine.gov/decd/covid-19-prevention-checklists

A copy of this notice is attached.

 

• DMR Guide Operation Stage 2 Checklist 6.9.20.pdf