Quarantine Measures

Quarantine Measures Policy

The UK Government Policy enforces quarantine rules for residents and visitors entering the UK with the exemption of countries listed on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors.

The COVID-19 emergency requires all of us to work together in the national interest to protect the health and safety of everyone, jobs and our maritime economy. UKSA take safety of our teams, students and customers seriously. COVID-19 pandemic is potentially life threatening, we have therefore put social distancing measures in place inaccordance with COVID-19 government guidelines and requirements. UKSA will continue to follow government guidelines regarding COVID-19 prevention. As a result; this policy may be subject to change at short notice. Updates will communicated  by UKSA. It is everyones responsibility to adbide by this policy as well as related Procedures/Risk Assessments. Failure to do will be taken seriously and so may lead to disciplinary action.

1. UKSA Responsibilities

To ensure that all activities are undertaken safely and that this policy is clearly understood throughout UKSA. We will:

  • ensure students and employees entering or returning to UK from another country, will not be permitted on UKSA site for a period of 14 days unless they are exempt such as:
  • key workers employed in the maritime industry including;
    • Seaman and Masters as defined in section 313(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995
    • Maritime Pilots as defined in paragraph 22(1) of schedule 3A of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995
    • Inspectors and surveyors of ships appointed under section 256 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
  • report to the Border Authorities anyone who believe has not satisfied the 14 day quarantine period as required by UK Government policy.

review this policy at least annually or more frequently if significant changes occur.

2. Student & Employee Responsibilities

Except where exemptions apply you will:

  • need to provide your journey and contact details when you travel to the UK
  • not be permitted to stay at UKSA and must find alternative accommodation for your first 14 days in the country.
  • not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK except in very limited situations (known as ‘self-isolating’)

You can only leave if:

  • you need urgent medical treatment
  • you need support from social services
  • you need food and medicine and cannot get them delivered or get a friend or family member to bring them
  • you’re going to the funeral of a close relative, or for other compassionate reasons
  • there’s an emergency, for example there’s a fire at the place you’re staying

You cannot have visitors, including friends and family, unless they are providing essential care.

If you’re at home or staying with friends or family, avoid contact with the people you’re staying with and minimise the time you spend in shared areas.

If you’re staying in a hotel or guest house, you cannot use shared areas such as bars, restaurants, health clubs and sports facilities. Stay 2 metres away from all other guests and staff.

If you will not be able to safely self-isolate at the place you’re planning to stay, tell Border Force officers when you arrive in the UK. They’ll give you a choice of accommodation to stay at.

3. After 14 days

If you do not have any coronavirus symptoms after 14 days, you can stop self-isolating. You will then need to follow the same rules as people who live in the UK and UKSA policies for Social Distancing.

Further details can be found at: www.gov.uk/uk-boarder-control

Student Exemptions:

Students who are exempt as described above must provide acceptable evidence of employment such as:

  • A Seafarers Identification Document (SID)
  • Joining papers
  • Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA)
  • Seafarers discharge book
  • Basic training certificate
  • Declaration from the registered owners of a vessel confirming the individual as a crew member

4. Moving around buildings and worksite

Social Distancing on site is the safe way to minimise the spread of disease whilst at UKSA. Student bubbles will ensure you come into contact with a limited number of people thereby minimising risk to spreading disease. When learning onsite you are required to:

  1. Stay within your prescribed UKSA Student bubble.
  2. Avoid face to face contact with others onsite.
  3. Wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds or use santiser from the appointed locations.
  4. Follow the one way route systems keeping 2 metres apart from others at all times.
  5. Equipment and tools should not be borrowed or lent to anybody outside of your bubble.
  6. Use telephone, WhatsApp and/or video conferencing to talk to UKSA staff from other departments.
  7. Face to face meetings should avoided and only held outside in the fresh air if deemed essential.
  8. You should avoid entering other rooms/offices outside of your own working space.
  9. You should avoid sitting face to face with other students within your bubble. Where this is not possible; you should remain 2 metres apart at all times where reasonably possible.