COVID Protocols Resource
This page is intended as a resource to help competitors successfully obtain their Bermuda Marine Travel Authorization (MTA) by providing links, videos, and FAQs related to the protocols.
COVID-19 protocols have created new steps that all sailors will need to follow to meet Bermuda’s immigration requirements. The most important change is that all competitors (including the Captain) will need to apply for (and receive) a “Mariner’s Travel Authorization” (MTA) prior to departing for Bermuda which requires vaccination and a negative pre-travel COVID-19 test.
BEFORE the Captain can complete on-site registration, he/she must know that ALL crew members have met the requirements for a MTA. Only competitors who have received their MTA approval can then visit the Bermuda Government Immigration officers in Newport for pre-clearance into Bermuda.
As an aid to competitors, the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) has worked with two vendors to tailor their testing capabilities for the race. Details are below.
Competitor Bulletin #11 published on March 31st details this process in its entirety and is a good place to start.
The Bermuda Government requires a negative COVID test to obtain a Mariner’s Travel Authorization (for those arriving by boat) or a Travel Authorization (for those traveling by air). As an aid to competitors, the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) has worked with two vendors TestZone Services and Fit to Fly BDA to tailor their testing capabilities for the race.
To ensure that there will be sufficient testing capability available to test all competitors, return crew, and guests in a short period of time before the race, both services require those wishing to use these services to register for a testing time slot with the service they choose.
You are not required to use these services. They have been arranged by BROC with the vendors for your convenience and to ensure that there is sufficient testing capacity available to meet the needs of all competitors.
Testing For Competitors
Antigen test kits to take onboard for the race
TestZone also can provide antigen test kits to take onboard for the race. You order them through the service and pick them up at registration in Newport. BROC VERY strongly encourages each boat to have two antigen tests (usually kits come with two tests) on board per crew member for self-testing during the race (and one pulse oximeter on each boat).
Testing For Return Crew and Guests/others flying to Bermuda
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Testing in person in Newport
The time windows for testing in-person in at Race Headquarters at Sail Newport are:
Pre-Registration and payment for TestZone services is available from April 19th to May 20th.
All pricing includes:
Contact TestZone with questions at information@testzonedx.com
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Testing remotely by video
Proctored Rapid Antigen testing tailored to the race is offered by two vendors: “TestZone Services” and “Fit to Fly BDA”. Unlike on-site in-person testing, numerous other commercial services are available if you wish to find another vendor. These two vendors have specifically adapted their services to support the needs of the race, particularly to have sufficient capability to test all competitors that choose this testing option on Wednesday. It is essential that anyone intending to utilize these services register in advance.
The two services have some differences in their offerings. The significant differences are:
Contact TestZone with questions at information@testzonedx.com
More Details and FAQs at fittofly.bm
Bermuda Testing/Immigration Webinar – April 5th
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee leadership conducted a webinar in early April to review 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 Registration hours was reviewed during the webinar, a recording of which is posted below along with the Q&A in which participants and panelists actively participated. Once they watch the webinar, sailors are asked to also submit their testing preference as well.
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