Boat Start & Finish Procedures

Boat Launching on Event Morning

Event morning can be very busy at nearby boat ramps, especially Leeuwin Boat Ramp. To avoid delays, have a plan that gives you plenty of time to launch and reach the event before your swimmer’s start time.

If you’re launching on the morning of the event, consider using quieter ramps:

• Woodman Point Boat Ramp – Larger facilities and plenty of free parking.
• Hillarys Boat Harbour – A good option if you live north of the river.

Overnight Mooring or Anchoring

You may also choose to moor or anchor your vessel overnight (some participants even sleep on their boats). If you do, keep these rules in mind:

• No anchoring in fairways or channels.
• Mooring limits:
  • White courtesy moorings (Department of Transport): Max 4 hours between 7am–7pm; overnight use allowed (7pm–7am).
  • Red moorings (DBCA): Same rules as above.
• Private moorings (yellow): Do not use without owner approval – unauthorised use can lead to prosecution.
• Environmental care: Do not anchor in seagrass areas.
• No attaching vessels to trees along the riverbank.
• Lighting requirements:
  • Anchored overnight: Must display an all-round white light at all times.
  • Ocean anchoring: Same lighting rule applies; also ensure you’re not in a fairway or channel.

As soon as your boat hits the water, make sure you turn on your marine radio and listen for announcements from the Boat Coordinator on marine radio VHF Channel 71.

45 minutes before your swimmer’s allocated wave start, you should be waiting outside of the Start Channel (north of the northern boundary or south of the southern boundary). Please refer to the Start Channel Map. The Boat Coordinator will let you know (via VHF Channel 71) when you can move towards the Start Channel. You must remain at least 1000m from the shore.

Remember, you do not need to log on with Channel Swim Base (VHF 71) at the beginning of the event. You also do not need to log on with Fremantle Sea Rescue (VHF 73) before the event, however, you can use VHF 73 to test your marine radio. You also don’t need to contact Channel Swim Base when you meet up with your swimmer (unless you have previously advised Channel Swim Base that you’re unable to locate your swimmer).

Rottnest Channel Swim day is one of the busiest and most demanding days of the boating year. To manage this event safely and effectively, a number of restrictions apply. These include beach and mooring closures, together with speed restrictions.

The main restrictions are:

• boating exclusion channel leading swimmers from Phillip Rock to the finish line next to the Hotel Jetty, and
• beach closures between the Hotel and Fuel jetties.

Nearly all restrictions and closures are lifted at 6.00pm on the day. For more information, please contact the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA).

The RIA has waived admission fees for Channel Swim competitors and support vessel crew displaying an authorised 2024 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim sticker, including the accompanying paddle craft. All other vessels entering the reserve need to pay admission fees – this can be done online. When you book, make sure you have your vessel registration and credit card handy.

Paying online allows our rangers to confirm your admission fees have been paid and will avoid any follow-up action. See more information on admission fees.

Rottnest Island Authority Marine Hire facilities are available to book three calendar months in advance. Information governing the restrictions is published by the Rottnest Island Authority here.

 It might also be useful to check out if there are any water closures.