Masks are now mandated on US vessels
Effective immediately, masks must be worn on all “public maritime vessels” in the United States. This mandate includes all commercial vessels used for dive charters or other dive-related activities.
Operators are required to use best efforts to make sure that any person on the vessel wears a mask when getting on, getting off and during travel.
Operators are required to use best efforts to make sure that any person on the vessel wears a mask when getting on, getting off and during travel. Best efforts include:
- “Boarding only those persons who wear masks.
- “Instructing persons that Federal law requires wearing a mask on the conveyance and failure to comply constitutes a violation of Federal law.
- “Monitoring persons on board the conveyance for anyone who is not wearing a mask and seeking compliance from such persons.
- “At the earliest opportunity, disembarking any person who refuses to comply. Providing persons with prominent and adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance of the requirement of this Order to wear a mask.
- “Best practices may include, if feasible, advanced notifications on digital platforms, such as on apps, websites, or email; posted signage in multiple languages with illustrations; printing the requirement on transit tickets; or other methods as appropriate.”
Sources
US CDC
US Coast Guard
References and further reading
