Dear Sailors,
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee leadership conducted a webinar on the evening of April 5th to review the steps required to meet Bermuda’s current COVID-19 and immigration requirements and the options competitors have for testing and completing Registration.
Additional information including extended hours of Registration was presented and discussed during the webinar, a recording of which is posted below along with the Q&A participants and panelists actively exchanged. Sailors are asked to also once they watch the webinar to submit their testing preference here.
In case you missed it, Competitor Bulletin #11 covers the topic in detail, and in addition, a COVID-19 Protocols Resource page is also available and will be updated with more information.
Warm regards,
Somers Kempe, Chairman
Bermuda Race Organizing Committee
Q&A From April 5 2022 Webinar
| wdt_ID | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hi - will we get a copy of these slides? | This graphic is on the Bermuda Race website. |
| 2 | Hi - will we get a copy of these slides? | The Competitor Bulletin has all this information https://bermudarace.com/competitor-bulletin-11-sailor-immigration-captain-on-site-registration-processes/ AND we are working on a page to present all the latest information |
| 3 | If members of our crew are medical professionals, can they proctor the Antigen Covid test? | no |
| 4 | Why can't antigen testing be completed on Monday? | Why can't antigen testing be completed on Monday? |
| 5 | Why can't antigen testing be completed on Monday? | This is driven by standard medical practice for antigen tests world wide. They are generally accepted only 2 days before travel/departure. |
| 6 | Why can't registration be extended until Thursday at noon to take some pressure off this schedule? | Why can't registration be extended until Thursday at noon to take some pressure off this schedule? |
| 7 | Why can't registration be extended until Thursday at noon to take some pressure off this schedule? | We have to have all the classes, starting order, etc set up in time for the Capt's meeting at 1700 Thursday. We will work through the night Wednesday to do this. |
| 8 | Immigration - confirm please that each crew needs test results for immigation. If so, then most likely ALL crew will be there on Wednesday. Will there be enough officers to handle what is likely to be >1000 people? | I will address this in depth in my section of the webinar. Mark |
| 9 | What is a supervised antigen test ? | It is an antigen test that is administered or monitored by a certified agency. This can be done in person or by video. It is NOT and self administered home test. I will discuss during my section of this webinar. |
| 10 | Since we are doing testing, prior to sailing, | Since we are doing testing, prior to sailing, |
| 11 | Will testing facilities be provided for crew or do we need to make our own arrangements to be tested (PCR or antigen)? | I will cover this in my section - Mark |
| 12 | One of my crew is an RN who routinely gives supervised antigen tests as part of her job. Can she witness the testing of our crew? | No, not unless she is specifically certified (not likely). |
| 13 | One of my crew is an RN who routinely gives supervised antigen tests as part of her job. Can she witness the testing of our crew? | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 14 | Cant we do an antgen test as earlier as Monday - crew is traveling to Newport on Wednesday ? | Unfortunately no. This is the general practice world wide - 2 days for antigen tests |
| 15 | Since we are doing testing do crew have to be vaccinated? | Yes Proof of full vaccination is required for visitors 12 and up to enter Bermuda. Link to Bermuda Government Website: https://www.gov.bm/what-fully-vaccinated |
| 16 | How recent does the PCR test have to be? | Show in the graphic - 4 days before departure, i.e., as early as Monday. |
| 17 | What happens to those waiting on line on Wed at 1900 - why close at 1900? | Yes. |
| 18 | please explain what it means to have supervised antigen test, who is a acceptable supervisor? | Answered in another question and I will cover again in my section. |
| 19 | please explain what it means to have supervised antigen test, who is a acceptable supervisor? | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 20 | Is all of the registration in person or can it be done virtually? | Registration must be accomplished by the Captain or representative (with written authorization). Please see answer to another question for more detail. |
| 21 | Would it be possible to register partial (all but COVID) and complete on Wednesday? | No, because we need to have the final crew list to complete the registration, which means that everyone has to be able to go to Bermuda which in turn means negative covid test |
| 22 | Can there be two PIC’s so if one skipper is sick the boat can sail? | Yes. You may designate in SailGate a RPIC. As long as the boat and crew remaind compliant with other rules, the boat can race. A rule to pay attention to in this case is that the PIC must have valid Safety at Sea training. That is only one of quite a |
| 23 | I use CUE (PCR test) if a third party monitors will that qualify? Another option might be eMed. | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 24 | What constitues being specifically certified to supervise the test? | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 25 | I use Cue for myself and my crew. Cue is an at-home NAAT (i.e., PCR) test. I'd like to find out whether Cue test results are accepted for MTA purposes and, if so, whether the tests need to be supervised. | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 26 | Do you know the requirement for leaving Bermuda by airline? | Do you know the requirement for leaving Bermuda by airline? |
| 27 | Do you know the requirement for leaving Bermuda by airline? | COVID test before departure. The MTA process schedules this for you and provides the test. No test is needed if you sail back to the USA. |
| 28 | If we are testing before departure, do crew have to be vaccinated? | If we are testing before departure, do crew have to be vaccinated? |
| 29 | If we are testing before departure, do crew have to be vaccinated? | Yes |
| 30 | what time does registration open? | 0800 Tues/Wed/Thurs |
| 31 | what time does immigration open? | 0800 Tues/Wed/Thurs |
| 32 | Will there be onsite supervised tests for antigen on wednesday at or near registration ? | I will cover the options in my section of the webinar |
| 33 | both registration and immigration? | Yes |
| 34 | What is an MTA? | Maritime Travel Authorization |
| 35 | What is an MTA? | https://www.gov.bm/mariners-travel-authorisation |
| 36 | How far in advance of sailing do return crew have to arrive in Bermuda for intended return to be able to get tested and clear customs? | There is virtually no difference or time delay. The travel authorization process really works well and smoothly. |
| 37 | what is earliest MTA can be filled out allowing for addition of test result later? | one month |
| 38 | what is earliest MTA can be filled out allowing for addition of test result later? | One month prior to June 17th |
| 39 | I tried to start the MTa procedure online but the dates were greyed out. When does it open up to start the MTA process? | one month |
| 40 | I tried to start the MTa procedure online but the dates were greyed out. When does it open up to start the MTA process? | Hi James - you can "test" the process now - but you will have to use a date in April/early May at this point. This will allow you to display the main document with all the necessary fields. |
| 41 | What if bad weather/hurricane requires postponing race start by one day. Then, both the PCR and antigen tests will be at 5 and 3 days respectively. Then what?? | We have a process to have the Bermuda gov't approve a wholesale extension. |
| 42 | does bermuda accept supervised telehealth antigen tests? | Yes |
| 43 | Can a boat start, complete the race, anchor in St. George, Never step foot on land, and then return to the states? | Can a boat start, complete the race, anchor in St. George, Never step foot on land, and then return to the states? |
| 44 | Can a boat start, complete the race, anchor in St. George, Never step foot on land, and then return to the states? | No. |
| 45 | PCR test four days is 96 hours so what is the time of day that the clock starts? | Midnight EDT |
| 46 | Any estimate of the amount of time to allow for getting the departure test in Bermuda for those flying back to the US? This relates to the timing of return flights relative to estimated finishing time. Thanks. | Testing site in Hamilton for travellers is open 10am-4pm each day other than Sunday which is 10am-12pm. Test price is included in your MTA fee. |
| 47 | can you have a combination of some crew with PCR and some with supervised antigen? | Yes |
| 48 | can you have a combination of some crew with PCR and some with supervised antigen? | Yes |
| 49 | Please display the timeline again | https://bermudarace.com/competitor-bulletin-11-sailor-immigration-captain-on-site-registration-processes/ |
| 50 | Where is the list of acceptable supervised antigen test? I saw the PCR test definitions? | https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda |
| 51 | Option 2 sounds pretty good. | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 52 | Do all crew members need to be in Newport and present at registration? | All crew members shall preclear Bermuda Immigration by end of day Thursday. The Captain/PIC only needs to register the vessel with BROC. https://bermudarace.com/competitor-bulletin-11-sailor-immigration-captain-on-site-registration-processes/ |
| 53 | So are walk in clinics certified? | Walk in clinics that offer supervised antigen or PCR per the Bermuda Government requirements are acceptable. The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda C |
| 54 | Would the third party be providing pcr? | live answered |
| 55 | Option 3 please | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 56 | Yes to FULL SERVICE OPTION! | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 57 | I don't see the definition of supervised antigen tests here | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 58 | is the following correct: Rapid PCR test window opens at 12:01am on 6/13 PCR test window opens 12:01am Wednesday June 15th through 1900hrs | PCR test window opens at 1201am on Monday June 13, Supervised Antigen test window starts at 12:01am on Wednesday June 15. |
| 59 | Yes to number 3 | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 60 | option 3 would work best if we know in advance and can do it in Newport or by telehealth test | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 61 | Do captains have to register in person or can it be online? | The Captain or a respresentative (with written authorization) must be present to physically sign an attestation as to the crew list, to resolve any outstanding items, and to physically collect a transponder. |
| 62 | Great idea to arrange with a company to do either/or in person or video | Thanks. Please provide that feedback by filling out the survey: bermudarace.com/testing |
| 63 | Are you able to tell f the Rapid NAAT test currently available at Walgreens nationwide is accepted? Guessing not, but worth checking. Thank you. | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 64 | Where is the definition of "supervised" for the antigen tests? I don't we know which places are acceptable. | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 65 | Yes to option 3 | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 66 | Is a person certified by the state of RI to monitor tests and provide results using portal.ri.gov meet the requirements of the rapid antigen test? | The requirements are detailed at https://www.gov.bm/covid-19-tests-accepted-bermuda. If you have a further question - please contact the Bermuda COVID hotline at +1 (441) 444 2498 or Toll-Free: (833) 570 2594 |
| 67 | have used EMed for video antigen test. | eMed is a great option (just need to plan getting the kits to all the crew in advance.) eMed is also good backup plan for a crew that hopes to get PCR test results on Monday or Tuesday. Crew members that don’t get results in time would have an eMed kit |
| 68 | Antigen testing in Newport has my vote | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 69 | Confirm Option 3 include internet/video supervised? | Yes |
| 70 | Yes, I vote for 3rd option that Race committee hires testing | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 71 | How does the MTA completed with test link to the registration process... does the skipper need to bring everyone's completed MTA? | The skipper needs confirmation from each crew member that they have had a negative test result (not the compelted MTA) in order to complete registration. Each competitor will need their completed MTA for the Immigration pre-clearance process. |
| 72 | “Address in Bermuda” if staying on the boat … simply get creative and put in “boat” or something? | If you are staying on the boat - put the boat name at the RBYC or whichever location you are staying. |
| 73 | Every racer completes and MTA, not just the Captain/Boat Owner. Correct? | Correct |
| 74 | the survey asks for # of sailors who will take advantage of each option. What are you asking us for? An estimate or our deisred action on the part of the BROC? | If you are the captain, then we are asking how many of each of YOUR crew you THINK would like that option. |
| 75 | Will the survey be posted on the website so that we can poll our crew? | Please use this survey to give us your opinion: https://bermudarace.com/testing/ |
| 76 | Where on the site is this survey? | bermudarace.com/testing |
| 77 | where on website? | bermudarace.com/testing |
| 78 | Where do we get customs clearance | Customs will be in Bermuda. Sailors may clear Bermuda immigration in Newport |
This Bulletin was revised when the webinar recording was posted to it on April 6.
