Although the entirety of Italy has been under a lockdown since March 9, select few businesses remained operational, even ones considered non-essential, until March 22. Factories, which include megayacht shipyards, were among those. Despite all shipyards remaining closed since then, yacht crew in Italy can still move around, with some restrictions.
SOS Yachting, which offers fiscal services to European and non-European owners of charter yachts frequenting European waters, has been getting the word out through its social media channels. Megayacht crew whose vessels currently are in Italy can enter Italy, as well as travel within the country’s borders. However, they can do so only if they meet certain mandatory criteria.
For one, yacht crew in Italy must have proven working needs, related to “an indispensable activity to protect a primary right that otherwise cannot be effectively protected,” according to SOS Yachting. Yet another criterion is health-related. The crewmember needs to prove he or she is pursuing treatment. Finally, yacht crew in Italy can move around if they’re returning to their residence. Failure to comply with the measures can result in denial of entry and/or movement within the country. If already in Italy, the crew therefore remain confined to the yacht, under penalty of law.
Regardless, yacht crew entering the country to work on a yacht or staying aboard a megayacht already there must have a self-declaration form on hand when departing the boat. Port police may require them to present the form, too. SOS Yachting has the form available for download from its website.
Entirely in Italian, the form requires the person signing it to comply with the restrictions put into place throughout March. For instance, by signing it, yacht crew in Italy are confirming awareness of the virus-containment measures in effect. In addition, they are attesting that they’re not subject to quarantine, and haven’t tested positive for COVID-19.
SOS Yachting adds one final note:
Finally, it should be noted that until visa requirements cease to exist, entry visas or shore passes will no longer be issued in favor of seafarers and crew members, except in cases that they have the characteristics of absolute exceptionality.” For these reasons, the issuing of visas at the border towards seafarers will also be limited to cases of absolute exceptionality, to be justified on the basis of the mandatory reasons for entry indicated in the Decrees.
SOS Yachting sosyachting.com
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