Capt Richard Eggleton and Coronavirus Update

Capt Richard Eggleton

I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself and to pass on some useful and essential information for you to bear in mind.  I stepped into the role on 23rd September and I will be the Interim  Harbour Master until a new permanent CEO/Harbour is recruited and  I will help during a handover period to get him/her off on the right foot.  You will already have seen information about my background, my familiarity with the Dart and my knowledge about the set up here at Dart Harbour.  I am looking forward to the role and meeting some of you in the course of the next few months.

One of the first things that came across my desk, was that the Government announced additional restrictions in relation to the Coronavirus, so my first message to you all concerns this.

Dart Harbour Office

Dart Harbour wants to play its part in ensuring that our premises are Covid secure and that we continue to protect our customers, staff and wider community.  From Monday 28th September, customers visiting the Harbour Office should make an appointment in advance.  We are also installing sneeze barriers in the reception area and between workspaces.  All visitors to the office must wear face coverings and sanitise their hands at the bottom of the stairs, when visiting the office for their appointments.

Office staff will also be working from home when they can and all staff will ensure social distancing while dealing with our customers, both afloat and in the office.

Berth holders who have their mail or parcels delivered to the Harbour Office can continue to collect them in the same way as during the lockdown and should continue to wear a face covering and be aware of social distancing with staff.

If you wish to make an appointment to visit the Harbour Office, please call us on 01803 832337 during our normal opening hours.  Monday to Thursday 0900 – 1700hrs and Fridays 0900 – 1600 hrs.  The office is now closed at weekends.

Yacht Taxi Service

The Yacht Taxi Service is now operating between 0815 and 1830 hrs and the last trips for the outer zone are 15 minutes earlier.  Wherever possible, please pre-book (24 hours in advance) to 01803 832337 (during office opening hours).  If not possible, on the day please call VHF Channel 69 or 07970 346571, but please bear in mind that priority will be given to pre-booked customers or visiting vessels.  Operating times are subject to change due to operational reasons or bad weather.  Face coverings must also be worn on the Yacht Taxi.

If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (new cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell), please do not visit our offices or approach our patrol staff or taxi drivers.

Wherever possible, please carry out your business with Dart Harbour via phone or email and pay any invoices you receive using the online tools available (these are shown on your invoices).

Let us all hope that these latest restrictions, do indeed stop the virus in its tracks, so that we can all get back to normal.  Dart Harbour will continue to play its part and will keep you up to date with any new information.

With best wishes

Richard Eggleton

Interim Harbour Master/CEO