The Skipper's Role
The skipper plays a vital role in the safety and success of every swimmer, making education and awareness absolutely essential. We strongly recommend all skippers attend the Metro Safety Briefing, as it provides key information for a safe and smooth event.
In addition, skippers are required to:
- Register themselves and their vessel
- Complete a pre-event questionnaire
This questionnaire ensures skippers are fully informed and equipped to carry out their responsibilities on event day. Your preparation is not just important, it’s critical to the safety of your swimmer and the overall success of the crossing.
As a skipper, your responsibilities include:
- Setting the course, allowing the paddler and swimmer to follow you.
- Ensuring the safety of your swimmer(s) and support crew throughout the event.
Your role is the backbone of a successful crossing – be prepared, be confident, and make safety your top priority.
Skipper Registration
All skippers in the 2026 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim will need to register themselves and their vessel. This has been introduced to ensure accuracy in skipper and vessel details to assist with fleet management on event day. Skippers will need to register themselves by 12.00pm Monday, 12 January 2026. It is the responsibility of the soloist or team captain to ensure the skipper is registered and ready to go.
Skippers’ Questionnaire
All skippers in the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim will need to complete a skipper’s questionnaire by 5.00pm Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Anyone who does not complete the Skippers Questionnaire by this time will not be permitted to skipper for the 2026 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim.
Skippers’ Checklist
Skippers have a key role on event day and need to ensure that they are prepared. The RCSA has put together an example Skipper Checklist to ensure that you have everything you need for the big day.
Skipper Training Videos
If you’re a first-time skipper or just want to brush up on your Rotto Swim knowledge, our skipper training videos are a great way to do this. To watch our Skipper Training Video series, click the button below!
Please note – A Marine Radio Licence is no longer required for the day of the Event.
WATCH SKIPPER TRAINING VIDEOS
Swim Course
| Northern Boundary | South Buoy | Rhumb Line | |
| 1.5km | 115°44.095 E | ||
| 4km | 31° 59.719′ S (-31.995317) | ||
| 115° 42.446′ E (115.707433) | |||
| 6km | 31° 59.731′ S (-31.995517) | ||
| 115° 41.180′ E (115.686333) | |||
| 8km | 31° 59.743′ S (-31.995717) | ||
| 115° 39.911′ E (115.665183) | |||
| 10km | 31° 59.450′ S (-31.824167) | 31° 59.754′ S (-31.9959) | |
| 115° 38.640′ E (115.644) | 115° 38.640′ E (115.644) | ||
| 12km | 31° 59.526′ S (-31.9921) | 31° 59.765′ S (-31.996083) | |
| 115° 37.343′ E (115.622383) | 115° 37.343′ E (115.622383) | ||
| 14km | 31° 59.599′ S (-31.993317) | 31° 59.776′ S (-31.996267) | |
| 115° 36.083′ E (115.601383) | 115° 36.083′ E (115.601383) | ||
| 15km | 31° 59.633′ S (-31.993883) | 31° 59.782′ S (-31.996367) | |
| 115° 35.486′ E (115.591433) | 115° 35.486′ E (115.591433) | ||
| 16km | 31° 59.671′ S (-31.994517) | 31° 59.787′ S (-31.99645) | |
| 115° 34.844′ E (115.580733) | 115° 34.844′ E (115.580733) | ||
| 17km | 31° 59.708′ S (-31.995133) | 31° 59.793′ S (-31.99655) | |
| 115° 34.189′ E (115.569817) | 115° 34.189′ E (115.569817) | ||
| 18km | 31° 59.740′ S (-31.995667) | 31° 59.797′ S (-31.996617) | |
| 115° 33.640′ E (115.560667) | 115° 33.640′ E (115.560667) | ||
| 18.25km | 31° 59.755′ S (-31.995917) | ||
| 115° 33.466′ E (115.557767) | |||
| 18.5km | 31° 59.769′ S (-31.99615) | ||
| 115° 33.307′ E (115.555117) | |||
| 18.75km | 31° 59.783′ S (-31.996383) | ||
| 115° 33.149′ E (115.552483) | |||
| 19km | 31° 59.797′ S (-31.996617) | 31° 59.808′ S (-31.9968) | |
| 115° 32.987′ E (115.549783) | 115° 32.987′ E (115.549783) | ||
| 19.25km | 31° 59.798′ S (-31.996633) | 31° 59.809′ S (-31.996817) | |
| 115° 32.831′ E (115.547183) | 115° 32.831′ E (115.547183) |
Finding a Support Boat
Organising a support boat can be hard, so it’s important to start organising your support boat and skipper at least six months before the event (especially if you’re coming from interstate or overseas). You need to enter your boat and skipper information when you register – this needs to be done by 12:00pm Monday, 12 January 2026, otherwise, your entry will be forfeited.
Please note, unless you have a commercial licence for your boat you are unable to charge a fee for your services.
Always meet with your skipper in person to have a practice run and check qualifications before processing any form of payment. Make sure you only accept official proof of qualifications (e.g. Skippers Ticket, Commercial Vessel Licence).
There have been instances where people have falsified information to receive payment and have then become uncontactable to participants. If this happens to you, please report the situation to the WA Police.
Best Ways to Find a Support Boat
- Post in the Boat & Paddler Facebook group – This is still the most effective option for most participants.
- Ask around within your network– Word of mouth remains a reliable way to connect with experienced paddlers.
- Use the Forums section on our website – Great for reaching people already engaged with the event community.
- Post on free online platforms – Marketplace is a free and widely used platform for local connections.
- Explore newer options – Apps like Airtasker can help you find local paddlers quickly.
Support Boat Guidelines
If you’re entering as a swimmer, you must have a support boat and paddle craft – personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis) are not permitted.
Boat Size Guidelines
The size of your boat depends on:
- The minimum legal size allowed to travel to Rottnest Island.
- The number of people on board.
For comfort and protection from sun and wind, the RCSA recommends:
- Solo swimmers: Minimum 5 metres
- Duos/Teams: Minimum 6 metres
However, any vessel 4.5 metres or longer that is legally permitted and can safely carry the entire team (swimmer(s), paddler(s), and support crew) will be accepted.
Capacity Guidelines
The maximum number of people on board (including swimmers and paddlers) is based on the Australian Builder’s Plate or, if absent, the WA Department of Transport guidelines:
- 4.5m to <5m: 5 people
- 5m to <5.5m: 6 people
- 5.5m to <6m: 7 people
These are recommendations only – the skipper is responsible for ensuring the boat is suitable and not overloaded.
Skipper Responsibilities
- Ensure the vessel is seaworthy and equipped for the crossing.
- Set the course so the paddler and swimmer can follow.
- Maintain the safety of swimmer(s) and support crew.
- Provide life jackets for everyone on board, plus extras for each swimmer and paddler.
- Complete the skipper’s checklist to understand all rights, duties, and responsibilities.
A paddle craft is highly recommended (though not compulsory) to assist the swimmer and skipper on event day.
Call Signs
Your call sign will be your entry number:
- Solo swimmer 100 → “Solo swimmer 100”
- Duo 323 → “Duo 323”
- Team 450 → “Team 450”
Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV)
In this law: domestic commercial vessel means a vessel that is for use in connection with a commercial, governmental or research activity.
Recreational vessels that are hired or hired out are defined as a DCV are in direct violation of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 and there are significant financial penalties with a minimum fine in excess of $2000.00 for any contravention of the Act by way of an Infringement Notice or prosecution in a court apply.
Any recreational vessel found to be on hire during the Rottnest Channel Swim may result in the vessel being prohibited from operation immediately (withdrawn from swim), along with a breach report forwarded to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
If swimmers are looking to hire a vessel, it will need to be a Domestic Commercial Vessel. Some charter vessels can be found by visiting Bluesun2 and Exclusive Boat Charters
For further information on the Act you can visit the National Regulator at www.amsa.gov.au. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Transport (Marine) on 1300 863 308.
Support Boat Information Required to Complete Your Registration
Event skippers will be required to register themselves and their boat. The details they will need are:
- Name of boat
- Boat registration number*
- Boat length*
- Make of boat – boat make and model
- Engine type – inboard or outboard
- Type of marine radio – VHF Only
- Mooring location/number if staying overnight at Rottnest*
- Boat skipper’s name*
- Boat skipper’s address*
- Boat skipper’s mobile number*
- Boat skipper’s email address*
- Boat skipper’s Recreational Skipper’s Ticket number*
* Compulsory information to complete your entry.
