Commercial Vessel Passengers And Crew Must Wear Masks Onboard

Commercial vessels, regardless of size are required to ensure that all their passengers and crew wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The information was shared today by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

This follows the recent Presidential Executive Order and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirement for immediate action requiring mask-wearing on all domestic modes of public transportation on land and sea.  

The only exemptions to this are private conveyances not used for commercial use and certain military operations.  

“America’s transportation systems are essential,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH.  “Given how interconnected most transportation systems are across our nation and the world, when infected persons travel on public conveyances without wearing a mask and with others who are not wearing masks, the risk of interstate and international transmission can grow quickly.”

“CDC recommends that non-essential travel be avoided; however, for those who must travel, additional measures are being put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Walensky.  “Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely and consistently used by all people in public settings.”

This order went into effect on Feb. 2, 2021.

For more information on the Order or to view frequently asked questions, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html