The Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA) has set the following rules in the best interest of swimmers attempting a crossing through the Rotto Solo Series (the Crossing Attempt).
A breach of these rules (whether by a swimmer, skipper, paddler, observer or other support crew) may result in disqualification (whereby the crossing won’t be recognised in the Official Solo Crossing Records), a ban from participating in future events and may be reported to Water Police or Department of Transport & Major Infrastructure who could impose further penalties.
Safety is our number one priority. The RCSA has the right to cancel Crossing Attempts at any stage. It is also a strict requirement that all Crossings (including Double Crossings) are completed within daylight hours.
During your Crossing Attempt, the RCSA strictly requires the following:
Swimmers
1) If two or three swimmers are sharing a support boat they must:
a. Remain within close proximity of each other. This means swimmers should swim at the same pace for the entirety of the crossing. Close proximity means within the range of 10-20 metres and no greater than 30 metres. This may require the pace to be slowed to meet the slowest swimmer’s pace.
b. tread water should another swimmer become unwell and require medical assistance causing the boat to stop. Under no circumstances can a swimmer proceed without their support boat.
Paddlers
1) The use of a paddler for each boat. Not only does this serve as a safety measure, but it also assists with providing food and drinks to your swimmer(s). While some groups may have multiple paddlers in the water, the minimum requirement is one paddler per boat.
Skippers
1) A maximum ratio of three swimmers to one support vessel.
2) support vessels to remain within 30 metres of swimmers at all times throughout the Crossing Attempt.
Observers
1) The use of one observer for each swimmer completing a crossing. A paddler can also count as an observer. The skipper can not count as an observer.
For the avoidance of doubt, the support crew minimum requirement is as follows:
1 swimmer
- 1 skipper
- 1 paddler, who counts as an observer
2 swimmers
- 1 skipper
- 1 paddler, who counts as an observer for one of the swimmers
- 1 observer on the boat, who cannot be the skipper
3 swimmers
- 1 skipper
- 1 paddler, who counts as an observer for one of the swimmers
- 2 observers on the boat, who cannot be the skipper
The strict requirement is that there is one person – paddler or observer, but not including the skipper – who will have eyes on a swimmer at all times. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in instant disqualification and a ban from future RCSA events.
Double Crossings require at least two registered paddlers who should spend approximately the same amount of time in the water.
The following Rotto Solo Series Rules apply to all participants in the Crossing Attempt and are in addition to and are not intended to limit in any way the Terms and Conditions of Entry.
1. All participants including Swimmers, Support Boats and Paddlers must give way to commercial shipping as there is no arrangement for commercial shipping to give way to Swimmers, Support Boats or Paddlers. Support Boats and Swimmers must remain a safe distance (minimum 100m) from any commercial ship whether they be stationary or moving. All participations must comply at once with all directions from the appointed Crossing Director, or any other authorised representative of RCSA. Failure to do so may see the individuals concerned reported to relevant authorities which may lead to prosecution, and / or a ban from future participation in RCSA events.
2. All participants must comply with Marine Legislation, all Rotto Solo Series Rules, RCSA By-laws, Terms & Conditions and the directions given by the officers of the Fremantle Port Authority, WA Police, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure and Rottnest Island Rangers at all times. Failure to comply shall result in automatic disqualification from the Crossing Attempt, may result in banning from or sanctions in future Events and may, in some circumstances, also result in prosecution.
3. Balloons are not permitted to be used for identification or any other purpose for the duration of the Crossing Attempt.
Swimmers
4. The minimum age for all Swimmers, at the date of the Crossing Attempt, is 14 years.
5. For the Crossing Attempt to be officially recognised as successful, a swimmer must enter the ocean from the natural connecting shore, swim across the Rottnest channel until they touch the opposite natural connecting shore and clear the water.
6. With the exception of rule 7 below, swimsuits and the wearing of any accessories must comply with the World Aquatics Rules. The World Aquatics Rules are subject to revision from time to time and it is the responsibility of each Swimmer to ensure compliance with the most up to date World Aquatics Rules at the date of the Crossing Attempt or the date of the pre-qualification swim pursuant to Crossing Attempt Rule 8as applicable).
Generally, the World Aquatics Rules provide that a complying swimsuit must:
(a). be of woven textile material;
(b). not cover the neck; and
(c). not extend beyond the shoulders or ankles.
The RCSA provides the following guidance in the application of this rule:
A Swimmer may:
(a). wear two suits so long as one suit comprises only briefs or a bikini;
(b). grease the body before a swim;
(c). wear goggles;
(d). wear two caps (your official cap must be the outer one worn);
(e). wear a nose clip;
(f). wear earplugs; and
(g). wear a rash vest/stinger suit.
A Swimmer may not:
(a). wear any item with neoprene or any other buoyant material; or
(b). wear earphones/headphones or any device that may act as a receiver giving information and advantage to the competitor; or
(c). wear any item that trails from their body; or
(d). wear anything not within the spirit of the World Aquatics Rules or within the spirit of
(e). the RCSA exemptions.
7. Swimmers are permitted to wear wetsuits during the Crossing Attempt however doing so will mean the crossing will not be officially ratified by the RCSA. This also applies to a Crossing Attempt made in water colder than 20 degrees Celsius.
8. Solo swimmers must qualify in order to participate in a Crossing Attempt. Qualifying swims (other than ratified Rottnest Channel crossings) are subject to RCSA approval, which is at the discretion of the Executive Director. To qualify, intending solo swimmers must have either:
(a). Completed a previous solo Rottnest Channel Swim crossing in the past 24 months; or
(b). Completed an alternative open water swim event that is of the same distance or greater than the Rottnest Channel Swim crossing in the past 24 months. During such swim, Event Rule 6 must be adhered to; or
(c). Completed a 10km open water swim event in less than 4 hours and 15 minutes in the last three months prior to the Crossing Attempt. During the qualification swim, Rule 6 must be adhered to. You will be required to submit proof of your finishing race time.
(d). In order to participate in a Double Crossing, the qualifying requirement is to have completed a solo Rottnest Channel Swim crossing in the past 12 months in a time of 6 hours 30 minutes or better. For interstate or international swimmers, alternative qualifying swims may be considered.
9. Swimmers must be aware that the shipping channel remains active during the Crossing Attempt. Swimmers must give way to commercial ships passing through the channel.
10. Swimmers must have one (1) registered skipper that has been approved by the Rottnest Channel Swim Association for the Crossing Attempt. The registered skipper must be the skipper at the helm of the support boat accompanying the swimmer in their Crossing Attempt. Up to three (3) swimmers can be supported by the skipper/support vessel.
11. Swimmers must have at least one (1) registered observer for a Crossing Attempt. This observer can also be a paddler. The registered observer must accompany the swimmer for the duration of their Crossing Attempt. Each swimmer must be accompanied by their own individual observer/paddler.
12. Swimmers must adhere to the directions of their skipper including if the skipper advises abandoning the Crossing Attempt.
13. Subject to obtaining an exemption from the RCSA as set out below, no Swimmer is permitted to use, or receive the benefit from, any form of artificial swimming aid or assistance during the Crossing Attempt, including but not limited to, the following:
a. holding onto a Support Boat, other boat, paddlecraft or Paddler;
b. drafting from an escort boat, Support Boat, paddlecraft or another swimmer; or
If artificial aids or assistance are required for medical reasons, an application for exemption may be made by a prospective entrant to the RCSA at query@rottnestchannelswim.com.au. Should an assisted swim be approved by the RCSA, upon finishing the Crossing, be recorded as having finished, subject to the swim being assisted.
Skippers
14. The minimum age for all Skippers at the date of the Crossing Attempt is 18 years.
15. Skippers of the Support Boat and tender (if applicable) must have completed their Recreational Skipper qualification and have been in possession of a Recreational Skippers Ticket, or approved equivalent certification, for the entire duration of the 12 months preceding the Crossing Attempt.
16. Skippers must have completed the RCSA online course ‘Skipper Training’ prior to registering for the Crossing Attempt.
17. Skippers must have the required Marine Radio Licence to operate their vessel’s VHF Marine Radio. All Rotto Solo Series support vessels must have a working AIS transponder with a MMSI number. This information will be captured during registration. If the AIS transponder is not working on the day of the Crossing Attempt, the swimmer will not be permitted to proceed with their Crossing Attempt.
18. Skippers must register through the Event registration and nominate their Support Boat which will be used for the Crossing Attempt. Each registration must be connected to an Entry in the Crossing Attempt. Only registered Skippers and their nominated Support Boats and tender vessels (where applicable) are permitted to be used in the Crossing Attempt.
19. Personal water craft (PWCs) are not permitted to be used by any participant for any purpose for the duration of the Crossing Attempt (this does not apply to Crossing Attempt on-water safety personnel).
20. Support Boats must be licenced to carry all passengers for whom the Skipper is responsible. This includes all people on the Support Boat and in the water, including all Swimmers and the Paddler(s). The number permitted is determined by either the information displayed on the Australian Builder’s Plate or (if there is no Builder’s Plate, it is recommended you follow the guidelines below). Support Boats must not be smaller than 4.5metres in length. Please note, the following are guidelines only and it is the Skipper’s responsibility to determine the exact number of people permitted to be on board for a safe voyage.
Length of Boat - Maximum number of people aboard
(including the swimmer/s, paddler/s and observers)
4.5m to less than 5.0m - 5 people
5.0m to less than 5.5m – 6 people
5.5m to less than 6.0m – 7 people
21. Support Boats must be equipped with all the required mandatory marine safety and emergency equipment as per the WA Navigable Waters Regulations. In addition, all support vessels must have an operational AIS transponder (minimum Class B), a suitable first aid kit and a first aid qualified person on board.
22. No Support Boat or power craft shall exceed a speed of 6 knots within 50m of any Swimmer, Support Boat or Paddler.
23. Support Boats must have an operating VHF Radio. On the day of the Crossing Attempt, the radio must be turned on, tuned to VHF channel 12 (Port Operations & Ship Movements) and the volume audible to monitor port traffic. Skippers must then follow any instructions given by Authority bodies, at all times. If Support Boats have the facility to do so, dual watch of VHF channels 16 (international distress frequency) and 12 (Port Operations & Ship Movements) is encouraged.
24. Skippers must keep their mobile phones on and easily accessible at all times during the Crossing Attempt as a delivery method for course and emergency information.
25. Support Boats must display the RCSA loaned vessel flag ‘Swimmer in Water’ at all times. This may be attached directly onto one side of the Support Boat in a visible location above the waterline.
26. When taking a Swimmer on-board:
a. the Support Boat motor/s MUST be disengaged and in neutral;
b. the Support Boats MUST NOT make way astern to pick up a Swimmer;
c. when possible, the Swimmer should be on the windward/weather-side of the Support Boat;
d. Support Boats using multiple outboard motors MUST place the motors in neutral before taking a Swimmer on-board at the stern.
27. Swimmers, Support Boats and Paddlers must give way to commercial shipping as there is no arrangement for commercial shipping to give way to Swimmers, Support Boats or Paddlers. It is the skipper’s responsibility to be aware of expected shipping movements and to monitor VHF Channel 12. Support Boats and Swimmers must ensure they remain a safe distance (minimum 100m) from the passing ship.
28. Skippers are not permitted to consume alcohol while responsible for their Swimmer(s), Paddler(s), Observer(s) and operating the Support Boat. No alcohol should be consumed by any other support crew on the vessel during the duration of the Crossing Attempt.
Paddlers
29. All Paddlers must wear a lifejacket that is level 50S or higher.
30. No item (outside of the paddle crafts manufacturing specifications) can be attached to the paddle craft that falls below the waterline (any item attached to the paddle craft must not enter the water).
31. Paddler(s) are not permitted to consume alcohol while responsible for their Swimmer(s).
Observers
32. Swimmers are required to have one (1) Observer each. A paddler may count as an Observer for one swimmer only. A skipper does not count as an Observer under any circumstances.
33. All Observers must keep an eye on their Swimmer at all times.
34. All Observers are required to fill out the RCSA’s Observer Form post-Crossing Attempt.
35. All Observers are not permitted to consume alcohol while responsible for their Swimmer.
