Wednesday, 30th September 2020
CORRESPONDENCE TO SYC Tenants and Contractors via email on Wednesday 30 September
SYC Tenants & Contractors,
Hi All,
Covid-19 Restrictions
On the back of the Premiers further announcements last Sunday 27/9/20, the SYC yard and marina will be re-open in line with the “Metro Melbourne Second Step” plan (attached – refer page 5, transport section, boat maintenance). For us here at SYC, we have read the updated plan, we have consulted with Government and asked lots of questions. Furthermore we have received guidance from Better Boating Victoria, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria and Australian Sailing (and we thank them for their help). With that in mind, this is our view on what it means;
New Works
Any servicing works that relate to providing Safe Operation of a vessel can now commence – a sensible, logical case needs to be made that the work relates to safety, is part of the regular service or logbook service, and/or is undertaken for risk prevention for when the vessel is back in the water.
Servicing – the following scope of works SYC deems acceptable as they pertain to the safe operation of a vessel
- Manufacturer service schedules / logbook servicing requirements as set out in service manuals
- Engine servicing and protection
- Anode replacement as anodes prevent corrosion(electrolysis) of metal fittings such as the propeller, shaft, engine leg, seacocks and hulls of metal vessels
- Rudder bearings – as they prevent water leaking into the vessel through rudder fittings, which in turn can cause a vessel to fill with water
- Shaft glands – as they prevent water leaking into the vessel through shaft fittings/holes, which in turn can cause a vessel to fill with water
- Seacock inspections – keeping blockages out of seacocks and ensuring correct operation
- Prop speed of propeller as it prevents growth on propeller & shafts which if not addressed, can lead to metal corrosion/electrolysis
- Antifoul as its essential to prevent growth/barnacles penetrating the fibreglass causing osmosis
- Cut & polish of hull as it prevents degradation of gelcoat & paint, which can degrade beyond repair if not done annually
- Insurance surveys – as insurance providers require ongoing survey reports providing evidence of continued maintenance
Aesthetic or other works that do not relate to the safe operation of the vessel cannot be undertaken as they are not permitted.
Pre-purchase safety inspections
An essential safety aspect of handing a vessel over to a new owner is a pre purchase inspection – at SYC this may involve the use of the travel lift to properly inspect the vessel. Items identified to then make the vessel safe can then be undertaken by an appropriate marine professional under the current restrictions
On-Water Testing
- If an on-water test relates to servicing, and the on-water test is a requirement of the servicing process, then it is our view this is permitted
- It must be with a COVIDsafe plan and permitted workers only (the customer cannot attend)
Manufacturing
New vessel commissioning can be conducted as it is the final works as part of the manufacturing process. To be done in line with staff at ≤ 90% of normal levels.
Servicing – beyond 5km
- For SYC vessels based at the club, the owners requirement is that you must use a professional to conduct your maintenance works (you cannot perform those works yourself under the current restrictions)
- For vessels coming to SYC from elsewhere please note;
- People are expected to have their vessels serviced within 5km of their home. However, for many reasons relating to specialist expertise, or knowledge of the specific make/model/type, this will not be possible. In that case, the vessel can be transported more than the 5km limit to SYC. And it is the government’s preference that the vessel be transported by the professional service provider. So for e.g. if a RBYC vessel wishes to come to the SYC yard, the owner should engage a professional contractor to handle the transport and the works.
Pre Stage 4 lockdown works: As previously advised, you are permitted to re-commence work on vessels that were mid service at the time of the commencement of the stage 4 lockdown (Wed 5 August). You are permitted to complete the service / maintenance works you had started.
Brokers: Vessels for sale in our marina – brokers and their staff can attend on-site and maintain the vessels they are selling
SYC staff: the following continues to be permitted
· SYC staff and vessel owners may access vessels for emergency and essential matters
· SYC staff may access the waterfront to operate the boat yard and undertake maintenance work and preventative environmental tasks including emergency response capability in the event of medical emergency, fire, oil spill, vessel sinking or the like
· SYC fuel services may remain open and support emergency and essential services
CovidSafe Reminder
Anyone who enters the SYC vessel yard or marina for work needs to:
1) Ensure they meet their individual mandatory business requirements – updated worker permits, covidsafe plans and any other industry regs that apply to your type of work. Could you please forward these to Karen before any work gets underway [email protected]
2) Register their attendance online by signing in – which can be done by clicking here and you will need to fill it in each and every time you work at the Club in line with the regs. If you are a tenant with a fixed weekly roster this can be submitted to [email protected] but it needs to be accurate in the event of an outbreak / for tracing.
Sub-contractors – both in the yard and on the marina
For those of you who use sub-contractors, and they are not on our list of registered contractors, please be reminded it is your responsibility to ascertain the work is permitted and for ensuring the following is in place, before they conduct any works onsite;
– arrange for them to be inducted, they are signed in and arrange for payment of their casual contractor fee
– provide their CovidSafe plans, worker permits and any other regs that apply including any industry limitations on multiple site visits per period
We would also appreciate some notice in advance of any subbies requiring the above.
Trading Hours & Scope of Works Reminder
- The travelift will at this stage, operate with first AM bookings from 8am and final lifts from 4pm
- Work is permitted during daylight hours when it is safe to do so
- Work is permitted on Sundays in the R&M zone (no cars may enter the yard on Sunday due to OTB family movements & launch ramp activity)
- Please undertake jobs that you can service in a timely manner and that your resources can adequately deal with – we need quick turnarounds and throughput
- Please be meticulous when preparing for jobs to ensure there are no extended wait times for parts and equipment which then holds up vessel movements
- Please do not take on jobs where the scope of work will translate to a vessel being in the yard for unacceptably long extended periods – we need quick turnarounds and throughput
Finally to stay across the SYC roadmap on an ongoing basis please click here.
Warm Regards & Stay Safe,
Richard Hewett
Chief Executive