How we're keeping our students safe

Introduction to Policies

In order to protect health and safety of all of our customers and employees, the UKSA team have spent a considerable time working together to develop the following policies. Please take some time to review the individual policies below.

Social Distancing at UKSA for Students Policy

Policy – Statement of Intent

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 in accordance 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 be communicated by UKSA to students via email and/or website. It is everyone’s responsibility to abide by this policy as well as related Procedures/Risk Assessments. Failure to do will be taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action.

UKSA Responsibilities

Our priority is to keep you safe. Where possible students should study away from common areas. To ensure that all activities are undertaken safely, and this policy is clearly understood throughout UKSA we will:

Enforce a 2-metre social distancing rule at all times, ensuring there is enough room in all work areas where reasonably possible. Different rules apply to students working on yachts following a 7 day period onsite.
Provide Hand Sanitiser at key location points across the UKSA site.
Keep internal doors open and pathways clear where possible to avoid unnecessary risk of contact whilst not compromising site security.
Thoroughly cleanse all surfaces throughout the day.
Review this policy at least annually or more frequently if significant changes occur.
Where people need to be onsite, we will instruct staff and students to remain within a UKSA bubble or work alone, wear face coverings in common areas and not to socially mix with other people on site. A UKSA bubble is defined as; a team of people who come together for a set period of time in either a work or education setting.
Communicate important changes to COVID-19 guidance to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.

UKSA Student Responsibilities

As students of UKSA you are responsible for managing your own health and minimizing the risk of COVID-19 spread to others. UKSA expect all students and employees to adhere to COVID-19 Social Distancing rules including:

Study in safe place and away from others as agreed with your Instructor, UKSA Manager or Director.
When you come to UKSA site, wash your hands before you leave and avoid public transport.
Apply hand sanitiser before entering reception/office space.
Report daily to UKSA Duty Manager before 9am for a temperature check and before joining your student bubble.
Respect all site users and keep to the 2-metre social distancing rule at all times.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and bin the tissue straight away.
Do Not spend more time onsite than is necessary to conduct your learning and study.
If you or someone in your household develop COVID-19 symptoms; you must leave the site immediately and inform the duty manager, then self-isolate for 7 days if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, or 14 days if someone in your household has the symptoms.
Adhere to one-way traffic systems onsite and gangways at all times.
Adhere to all UKSA procedures relating to COVID-19 safety.
You should report any non-social distancing behaviour to your Instructor or Duty Manager.

Travelling to and from UKSA.

Government guidelines tell us that social distancing is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of COVID-19. Everyone has their part to play in this and UKSA policy requires staff, students and visitors to adhere to these rules. When travelling to and from UKSA you should:

Walk, cycle or drive on your own to UKSA and not park on site.
You should avoid the use of public transport.
You must wash your hands before you leave and use hand sanitiser before entering buildings.
You must stay 2 metres apart from other people.
You may wear a face covering and/or gloves if felt appropriate.
Do not spend more time on site than is necessary.
You must wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before leaving UKSA.

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 meet a limited number of people thereby minimising risk to spreading disease. When learning onsite you are required to:

Stay within your prescribed UKSA Student bubble.
Avoid face to face contact with others onsite.
Wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds or use sanitiser from the appointed locations.
Follow the one way route systems keeping 2 metres apart from others at all times.
Equipment and tools should not be borrowed or lent to anybody outside of your bubble.
Use telephone, WhatsApp and/or video conferencing to talk to UKSA staff from other departments.
Face to face meetings should avoided and only held outside in the fresh air if deemed essential.
You should avoid entering other rooms/offices outside of your own working space.
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.

Safe working practice.

Non static job roles require some employees as well as students to move around the site to different locations. This includes Maintenance staff, Class Instructors, On water Trainers plus some other external contractors. Social Distancing must always still be applied by everyone where reasonably possible, to ensure safe working practices and student wellbeing is maintained. When on site you must:

Work alone or within your prescribed bubble as directed by your Instructor/Manager.
Adhere to one-way traffic systems on site and gangways at all times.
Use the dedicated ‘passing places’ on pontoons to avoid passing other pontoon users within 2 metres distance.
Apply social distancing rules to use of showers and toilets. Only 2 people are allowed to use the facility at any one time. If there are already 2 people inside, please return outside to wait.
Avoid common areas such as Reception, Restaurant, Bar area unless essential.
Avoid Reception where possible and contact vial email or phone. Where a visit to Reception is necessary, ensure you use Hand Sanitiser before and after visiting Reception.
Communicate with Students and Instructors via WhatsApp or phone where possible.
Do not socialise outside of your prescribed UKSA bubble.
You should avoid arranging delivery of parcels/take away meals to UKSA site.
You must adhere to quarantine measures as per section 6 when appropriate.

Common Areas.

Social Distancing must remain in place at all times. You should avoid meeting people at break times as well as stagger tea and lunch breaks. Whilst on site you should be alert to the following:

Avoid sitting, standing, or eating in common areas where 2 metre social distancing rules can not be applied.
Avoid mixing with other UKSA employees, students, visitors who are not within you UKSA bubble.
A specific dining slot (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided so that restaurant capacity is staggered. Apply restaurant social distancing rules.
Avoid Reception area where possible. Contact by phone or email if you can as a preference. Use dedicated reception waiting area.
Avoid face to face contact with others.

Accidents, Security and other incidents.

Report all incidents, security matters or accidents immediately to the duty manager or relevant person(s).

Take preventative measures but do not put your self and others at risk.
Where possible continue to apply 2 metre social distancing rule.
First Aiders must wear appropriate PPE when attending incidents/ accidents.

Quarantine/Self Isolation

People entering the UK from some countries are still required to self-isolate for 14 days. Please check www.gov.uk for latest details. Employees and students must notify their UKSA manager when they are due to return to the UK. The following must be adhered to:

Self-isolation must take place at your normal place of residence where possible but not on UKSA site.
You must have permission from UKSA to come onto site and book into accommodation at an agreed allotted time.
You must re-apply student responsibilities instructions contained within the context of this policy following your 14-day quarantine period.
You must follow government guidelines regarding quarantine and self isolation.
Refer to UKSA Quarantine Measures Policy for further details.

Yachts.

Anyone working within a bubble must remain 2 metres apart unless when onboard a yacht. Students are only permitted to sleep on a yacht following 7 day period ashore.

Each Yacht bubble will go directly to their designated yacht at the beginning of the day.
Social Distancing of 1 metre must be applied when onboard the yacht between UKSA Staff and the student bubble.

GDPR

Information and documentation will be held and processed in line with GDPR guidelines.

Quarantine Measures Policy

Policy – Statement of Intent

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.

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.

Student and 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.

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.

GDPR

Information and documentation will be held and processed in line with GDPR guidelines

Student Bubble Procedure

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 in accordance 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 to students via email and/or website. It is everyones responsibility to abide by this policy as well as related Procedures/Risk Assessments. Failure to do will be taken seriously and may lead to disciplinary action.

Student Bubble Procedure

This procedure applies to all education, leisure and maritime training students during Covid-19 pandemic.
- The aim of the procedure is:
  - To ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff
  - To minimize the risk and spread of Covid-19 at UKSA
  - To ensure our students can enjoy a maritime learning experience in a safe training environment.

This procedure should be be read in conduction with UKSA Social Distancing for Students Policy QHS-012 and Students Code of Conduct QSG-001.

Understanding a working Bubble

A group of learners and UKSA staff consisting of no more than 12 people.
Each household is identified by a single coloured lanyard.
Each household will remain together at all times other than by permission of their UKSA Staff member for the purposes of toilet break or use of shower facility.
Each member of the Bubble will accept a daily temperature check by a member of UKSA staff and will leave the Bubble and UKSA site immediately if their temperature is identified as high.
Everyone working within a Bubble must remain at least 1 metre apart at all times and will not mix with people outside of their Bubble.
Students 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.
Each Bubble will go direct to their designated classroom at the beginning of the day.
Each Bubble will adhere to the lunch break protocol as instructed by their UKSA Instructor/Duty Manager.
All students will be accommodated ashore for the initial 7 days, after this period students will be able to stay onboard a yacht.

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:

Stay within your prescribed UKSA Student Bubble.
Avoid face to face contact with others onsite.
Wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds or use santiser from the appointed locations.
Although not mandatory, UKSA encourages the use of face coverings in communal areas.
Follow the one way route systems keeping 2 metres apart from others at all times.
Equipment and tools should not be borrowed or lent to anybody outside of your Bubble.
Use telephone, WhatsApp and/or video conferencing to talk to UKSA staff from other departments.
Face to face meetings should avoided and only held outside in the fresh air if deemed essential.

You should avoid entering other rooms/offices outside of your own working space.

Social Distancing for Students Risk Assessment

Health and safety law require employers to do ‘what is reasonably practicable’ to protect their staff and members of the public. Please click the button below to download our Social Distancing for Students Risk Assessment.

Download Social Distancing for Students Risk Assessment

Emergency Action Plan Flow Chart – Covid-19 Symptoms on site

Main Symptoms of Coronavirus

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually cough, it may be worse than usual)

A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you have noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

What to do if you develop symptoms of coronavirus

You should apply for a test as soon as possible if you have symptoms. Please also inform a UKSA member of staff.

You can register for a test on the NHS website www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/ or call NHS 119 to arrange for a test. NHS aims to provide results within 48 hours of taking a test, but some results may take longer.

When to self-isolate

You must self-isolate straight away for 10 days if you have coronavirus symptoms.

Staff who live in the same household as someone with coronavirus symptoms, must self-isolate straight away for 14 days.

Informing those you have had close contact with

If you develop symptoms, UKSA will inform those in your bubble that you might have coronavirus but are waiting for a test result. At this stage (until the test result is known), those people do not need to self-isolate, but they should take extra care in practising social distancing and good hygiene.

If you test negative

If you get a negative test result, this means you are at low risk of having coronavirus. Other members of your household can stop self-isolating. If you feel well and no longer have symptoms similar to coronavirus, you can stop self-isolating.

If you test positive

If you get a positive test result, this means that when you took the test, you had coronavirus. You – and other members of your household or bubble must self-isolate. NHS Test and Trace will contact you and ask you to share information on those at home or in your bubble.

Close Contacts (at home or in bubble)

If you are identified by NHS Test and Trace as someone who has had close recent contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you will be notified that you must self-isolate in line with medical advice. You must self-isolate for 14 days after you were in contact with the person who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Emergency Action Plan Flow Chart – Covid-19 Symptoms on a yacht