With the new restrictive measures imposed by the decree to contain coronavirus infection, boaters have been asking themselves, “But can I go out to sea?” A document, promulgated by the Local Maritime Office of Lignano Sabbiadoro (UD), circulated on social media yesterday that seemed to clear up any doubts.
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Coronavirus: can you go out on a boat?
Signed by Commandant Raimondo Porcelli, he recommended “advising all boating users that until April 3 (barring future extensions of the period) there is a ban on mobility from their homes and any movement of individuals, including those made by recreational units, is prohibited… that are not strictly necessary, that is, for proven work requirements and/or situations of necessity.” He added that “violators will be punished in deference to the provisions of Article 650 of the Penal Code, which provides for arrest of up to three months or a fine of up to 206 euros.”
Ban on boating? The note caused an avalanche of comments-even stupid ones-on the web. “But if I have the Belgian or Dutch flag, can I go out?”, “Are we sure it’s an official document?”, “How come I can go for a walk and the boat can’t?”
Document true, but no longer valid
We decided to shed some light by going straight to the source by contacting Commander Porcelli. “The document is absolutely true,” he told us, “but an additional note that came out last night invalidated it. All the restrictions imposed by the decree still apply. Our intention was to initiate a form of outreach in full compliance with the decree. I hope the note invalidating the document circulates just as easily on social media.”
STAY PUT AT HOME (OR ON A BOAT IF YOU LIVE THERE)
Thus, there is no express ban on going out to sea, and Raimondo Porcelli did not mince words in saying “you still have to stay at home or in port, it’s a matter of common sense.” But we’ll tell you that: it is true that the boat is a safe place(HERE we also explained how to “sanitize” it in case of on-board isolation) and for many it is a home. But don’t go out to sea guys: in case of a breakdown, someone has to pick you up. If you get hurt fishing or sailing at full speed then they have to rescue you-that would be a problem with the health care system already under so much pressure.
We are confident that there will soon be better times to take off.
Eugene Ruocco
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