Saturday 4th July marked the restart of sailings from Poole to Jersey, over 100 days after services were suspended back in March.
Unlike other modes of travel that can feel confined, Ferry travel lends itself to physical distancing with open deck spaces. This, combined with Condor’s protocol to limit passenger numbers to 350 per sailing, is giving people the confidence to travel by sea.
Additional safety measures are in place both on land and sea to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
Dave Laut, Safety and Security Manager at the Port said “Here at the Port of Poole we’ve been working closely with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that we are ready, willing and able to welcome back passengers in a safe and manageable way. A number of safety protocols are in place, both at the port and onboard, to protect the health and wellbeing of our passengers, port staff and crew.”
NEW SAFETY MEASURES
Passengers are required to wear face coverings for travel and are advised to remain in their vehicles wherever possible until onboard. For foot passengers, the ferry terminal has been reconfigured to support a one-way system. And wherever interaction is likely, safety measures such as floor markings, posters, and hand sanitising stations are in place to protect staff and passengers at all times.
Jim Stewart, CEO for Poole Harbour Commissioners said “The Port of Poole has remained open and fully operational since COVID-19 hit, but until now for freight only services only. So, we were delighted to see the first passenger ferry leave the Port of Poole for Jersey this weekend, after an absence of more than 100 days. From the very start of the crisis we have been busy working in the background, to ensure we were prepared to start sailings as and when restrictions were lifted”.
The health and welfare of our workforce and port visitors and their families continue to be a top priority for PHC. We will continue to work closely to work closely with our partners, Public Health England (PHE) and Port Health to ensure that we continue to follow the most up-to-date rules and guidance from the UK Government.
TRIAL SAILINGS FROM POOLE TO GUERNSEY
Condor has also started initial trial sailings from Poole to Guernsey, on July 5 and 8. The services have been agreed with Public Health Guernsey and the States of Guernsey as part of a controlled trial of incoming and outgoing passenger travel. The Guernsey government has advised that a maximum of 250 passengers will be permitted to allow ample space for social distancing
Poole Harbour Commissioners look forward to welcoming passengers to the Port of Poole this Summer. Before travelling we recommend that you check the latest travel advice from the UK Government.