Port Canaveral COVID-19 Update

For the latest from the CDC, CLICK HERE
For Florida Dept. of Health's dedicated COVID-19 web page, CLICK HERE
Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) update, CLICK HERE
Florida Ports Council statement CLICK HERE
For State of Florida Executive Order, CLICK HERE
For the USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) CLICK HERE

The Canaveral Port Authority cares for the safety and well-being of our employees, partners, visitors and guests. As we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 developing situation, in line with recommendations from the CDC and the Florida Dept. of Health, and in response to guidance issued by Florida Governor DeSantis, please be aware of the following:
 
Canaveral Port Authority employees who are able to telework are working from home. Business transactions at the Port Canaveral Maritime Center will be conducted by appointment only.  The Port’s Purchasing Department and Warehouse are operating on reduced hours.

We have suspended the use of our indoor and outdoor venues at Port Canaveral for events and gatherings scheduled to take place in any of our facilities through June 1, 2020.  We will be processing refunds for deposits or monies paid for any event reservation and will not be accepting any new event reservations until further notice. 
 
Exploration Tower is closed until further notice and Jetty Park is closed. Additionally, we will not be accepting any new campground reservations until further notice.  

Victory Casino Cruises has suspended sailings until further notice.

At this time, Port Canaveral boat ramps at Freddie Patrick and Rodney Ketchum Parks remain open. Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 on April 1, 2020, to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus throughout the State of Florida. The Governor’s Executive Order directs “all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.” Recreational boaters are urged to comply with the Governor’s Executive Orders to limit the number of souls onboard to 10 or less and maintain 50 feet between vessels, as directed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
 
The Port is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and continuously evaluating state orders and federal guidance. We will keep our extended community informed as information and updates become available. Business decisions and actions taken by Port tenants and subtenants resulting from the information provided are the responsibility of the business owner.

Governor DeSantis issued an order to suspend all dine-in at restaurants throughout Florida, with the exception of take-out orders. Cove Merchant patrons should check with the business for their operating status.

The next Canaveral Port Authority Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 at 9:00 AM.  The Commission meeting has been moved online following an executive order from Governor DeSantis to limit gatherings, and will be available for live stream viewing and public input.
 
Port Canaveral operations are normal for inbound and outbound vessels. 
 
The U.S. Coast Guard has regulatory authority to control and/or deny all vessel “Notice of Arrivals” transiting to U.S. Ports.  All passenger and commercial vessels that have arrived or are expected to arrive at Port Canaveral are in compliance with the current policies, procedures and guidance of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
 
As we work with our cruise partners to accommodate their berthing needs, there are ships from Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line berthed, most of which are homeported at Port Canaveral, and none of the vessels has passengers on board.
 
Area residents may see cruise ships entering and leaving the Port every few days. The cruise lines plan to cycle vessels from berth to off-shore allowing each ship to take on provisions while at berth. 
 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is restricting all crewmember movements while vessels are docked in Port Canaveral. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced the Canaveral Lock has been reopened to navigation effective April 3, 2020 at 6:00 AM (EST). Regular operational hours will be in effect from 6:00 AM (EST) to 9:30 PM (EST) with the last lockage no later than 9:15 PM (EST). Canaveral Lock will not be reopened for public visitation.
 
The Army Corps reminds boaters planning to transit the Locks that there are new requirements in place addressing COVID-19 pandemic. These requirements were posted in a new “Notice to Navigation” on the Corps’ Jacksonville District website:https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Navigation/Notices-to-Navigation/Notice-to-Navigation-2020-002-SPECIAL-NOTICE-COVID-19/. 
 
Vessel operators will be required to contact the lock staff prior to making an approach to the facility. Canaveral Lock staff will not assist with any line handling or mooring of vessels. The number of vessels allowed to lock at one time will be limited by emergency mandate issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These restrictions may result in longer lock times.
 
Federally mandated social distancing requirements will be observed. These requirements include no vessels may have greater than 10 persons on board, and boats must maintain a minimum of 50 feet apart as enforced by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
 
As before, all personnel on board vessels must wear a life jacket or U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD).

We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation and coordinate our efforts with federal, state and local government agencies – like the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Florida Dept. of Health (DOH) – to ensure we are doing everything to keep our employees and extended community safe, and well informed. Updates will be posted as situations evolve or change.

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