OXFORD, Md. - For those working on the water, masks have not been required, until recently.
The next time watermen step onto their boats, they're going to have to wear a mask. The Biden Administration, along with the United States Coast Guard is requiring anyone on-board a federally regulated vessel to wear a mask.
This is not sitting well with those who make their living on the water.
Captain Robert Newberry, Chairman of Delmarva Fisheries Association Inc., says "as far as working on the water and being essential personnel, it's a waste of our time and a waste of the government's time to enforce it [wearing a mask]."
Being a waterman requires spending most of your day, outside, on the water. Which is why Captain Newberry says masks should not be required for watermen.
"I don't agree with it at all. We're essential personnel and we've been operating since the pandemic as essential personnel without wearing masks ever, "Newberry says, "it would be different if you were inside but we're out in the elements."
In late January, President Biden and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began requiring masks on all modes of transportation. The US Coast Guard is charged with enforcing CDC guidelines, per a Marine Safety Information Bulletin from February 1. Watermen like Jeff Harrison wonder how and if the Coast Guard will enforce the mask requirement "Who's really going to know? Are they going to takeover and start writing fines for not having a mask on?"
According to the Coast Guard, vessels that do not implement the mask requirement may be issued a Captain of the Port Order, which directs vessel movement and direction. The Coast Guard says repeated failure to comply could result in civil and/or criminal charges.
