The pandemic has thrown the world for a loop in many ways. There’s an element of unpredictability to everything right now. And while some industries have been hit hard, including travel, with the right precautions and protocols, yachting may very well come out just fine on the other side of this.
Families who had plans to visit crowded tourist spots or theme parks are now looking for less chaotic options. Couples who typically lounge at resorts or on the decks of massive cruise ships are also seeking ways to avoid the masses. And after being cooped up for most of the year, there’s a renewed sense of appreciation for nature.
Boat owners and charter companies should capitalize on this. Below are five ways to manage this smartly.
Create a Fully Transparent Plan
Your first order of business is to create COVID-19 policies that outline all safety measures and protocols your business will adopt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes it easy; they provide
guidelines
to plan, prepare and respond to the pandemic.
In general, your plan should include things like checking symptoms among crew, establishing embarking/disembarking procedures, cleaning after each set of guests and ensuring your
telemedicine
capabilities.
Each scenario will be different based on your itinerary, area of travel, capacity and resources, but it’s important to nail down how you will deal with situations. The worst-case scenario would be to find your crew or passengers in a potentially unsafe situation, as it relates to COVID-19, and only then try to figure out what you should do. Stay ahead of it.
Post Visuals as Reminders for Passengers and Crew
The CDC has an
assortment of signs
and resources for businesses and public spaces, including some that are travel-specific. And they’re available in 29 different languages. By sticking with the CDC’s resources, your message is consistent and follows their data-based guidelines.
Here are a few CDC links:
Make a few copies of signs that are relevant to your business, and then laminate and hang them in strategic spaces around your boat, dock or business.
Highlight Your Telemedicine Capabilities
Telemedicine is definitely a new normal in the COVID-19 world. Most standard
telemedicine kits
come with tools that are common in doctors' offices, such as a glucose meter, digital thermometer, electrocardiogram, stethoscope, otoscope and an ultrasound tool. Perhaps most importantly, though, you can contact a doctor using the encrypted video application from anywhere.
Several of our yachting clients had suspected coronavirus cases with their crew or guests and contacted their telemedicine providers for assistance. Using our
telemedicine kits, the doctors remotely examined the patients and provided guidance on how to handle and treat the patient. This avoided transporting the patient to a hospital, potentially exposing the hospital occupants to the disease or vice versa.
If someone falls ill, they can receive a full diagnostic check-up and a doctor can be contacted for a diagnosis. There’s no guessing involved. The captain can decide, with confidence, their next move; either to isolate an individual, divert to a port or keep sailing.
Get Your Plan in Front of Customers
The most important step of all is to get your protocols in front of customers!
A quick audit of a handful of charter companies revealed absolutely zero information on how they’re dealing with the coronavirus. This feels like an oversight at best and a missed opportunity at least. There should be a tab or banner on your website that is delegated for COVID-19 policies and procedures.
Let customers know you have a virtual walk-in clinic onboard and specific COVID-19 procedures. Also promote the fact that your crew is trained on
proper sanitizing procedures. Did you install a new air purification system that eliminates mold spores, bacteria and viruses from the air? Then, let people know! Transparency builds trust.
Ways to Promote Your Plan:
• Social media posts. Many potential customers will go straight to your Facebook or Instagram pages. Promote your plan there.
• Landing page on website. Make sure customers can easily find your plan when they go to your homepage.
• Marketing brochures and materials. If you produce seasonal marketing materials direct customers to your website for your full plan. Mention it in brief in printed materials.
• Send out a press release. If your clientele are in a specific area, put your plans for sailing amid COVID-19 in an email and send it to news outlets.
Adapt As Needed
Flexibility is a big part of the new normal. Being able to adapt to a constantly changing landscape is paramount. Stay informed of local government advisories, as well as the CDC. People will long remember how they were treated by companies during this time, so don’t risk your business for one trip or even one season.
This will pass. And right now many are just trying to keep their heads above water. Invest time in your COVID-19 plan, take stock of your
telemedicine kit
and create transparency around it. There will be smooth sailing on the other side of this.
