Out of Event Crossings

Out of Event Crossings of the Rottnest Channel are an iconic Western Australian activity that provide a unique opportunity for qualified open water swimmers to train for significant international swims such as the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan Island.

A recent review of Out of Event Crossings by Fremantle Ports and the Rottnest Channel Swim Association has led to improved safety measures, improved communication, and a more streamlined application process, ensuring safety for swimmers and the shipping industry.

Thinking about completing an Out of Event Crossing?  The new streamlined process of obtaining approval to complete an Out of Event Crossing is all managed through the RCSA Out of Event Crossing application process.

Dates for the 2025 Out of Event Crossings have been confirmed. 

• November 9 or 10, 2024
• December 14 or 15, 2024
• January 4 or 5, 2025
• February 8 or 9, 2025
• March 29 or 30, 2025
• April 5 or 6, 2025

Places are limited to 10 support vessels with a maximum of two swimmers per support vessel.

Applications close four weeks before the start of the Out of Event Crossing month, or when places are filled.

Before being permitted to attempt a crossing, the RCSA must be satisfied that you are qualified to do so and will ask for proof of the below conditions.

To qualify to swim you must:

• Have completed an authorised solo crossing of the Rottnest Channel in the past two years; or
• Have completed an alternative open water swim event that is of the same distance or greater than the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim crossing in the past two years; or
• Have completed a 10km* qualifying swim in the last 3 months in less than 4 hours 15 mins.

1 – Find a suitable skipper as early as possible. They will need to prepare their vessel and may need to undertake some further training. All support vessels must have a functional VHF radio and an AIS transceiver/transponder broadcasting the vessel MMSI number and position.

2 – Your skipper must have:

• A VHF Marine Radio License*
• Completed the RCSA Out of Event Crossing Training Course
• Held their recreational skipper’s ticket for at least 12 months and be over the age of 18.

3 – At least one person on the support vessel must have a current formal first aid qualification (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid Course or equivalent)

4 – Once you, your skipper and your observer are ready, you must jointly submit an Out of Event Crossing application through Active. This must include a completed FPA authority request form.

It can take up to 15 business days for your skipper to obtain an MMSI number for their AIS transceiver/transponder after completing their VHF Marine Radio License. Ensure you allow enough time.

If the swimmer is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will need to create the application, by selecting the registration category Swimmer (Under 18) – Parental Guardian and providing their personal details. The parental guardian can then register the under 18 swimmer as an Additional Swimmer.

Swimmers must choose their crossing month. The swim window will fall on the first weekend of the month, and be postponed by one week if the RCSA determines weather conditions are unsuitable.

Having trouble registering? Check out our How To guides:

• How to Create an Active Account
• How to Upload your FPA Authority Request
• How to Register as a Skipper, Observer or Additional Swimmer

Application denied: If your application is denied, the RCSA will contact you to notify you of the decision. Unfortunately, there is no refund of the processing fee if the application is denied.

Application approved: If your application is approved, the RCSA will contact you to notify you of the decision and will specify the approved window. Once your application has been approved you cannot change your swim month.

Please note: An RCSA Out of Event Crossing approval permits one (1) crossing attempt within the approved window only.

The RCSA will send you the following approval documents via email:

• FPA authority request form: Approved and signed by the Harbormaster
• Approval notification letter/email
• Further specific instructions

On the morning of the swim, your skipper/support crew is required follow the below procedure:

• The skipper must sign on Marine Rescue Fremantle via VHF Channel 73. Ensure you follow the correct sign on boat procedure: Your vessel call sign, departure time and location, your destination, number of adults and children on board, how much fuel you have and your expected return time.
• The skipper must contact Fremantle VTS via VHF Channel 12 prior to the nominated starting time to confirm the immediate port movements and ensure minimal interference with any operations.
• Support craft are to monitor VHF Channel 12 when in port areas
• Support craft, must follow port regulations and have due regard for all speed restrictions and safety navigation.
• Support craft must remain a minimum of 50 metres from all commercial vessels and berths. Failure to maintain this distance is a security breach under Maritime Security.
• The skipper must contact  Fremantle VTS via VHF Channel 12  when about to cross the shipping channel.
• The skipper must contact Fremantle VTS via VHF Channel 12 after exiting the shipping channel.
• The skipper must contact Fremantle VTS via VHF Channel 12 if any incident takes place and if any assistance is required. A full report on all incidents involving will be required.
• They must confirm that all persons are aware of the requirements and will abide by these throughout.
• Skippers must sign off with Fremantle Marine Rescue at the conclusion of your voyage.

Fremantle VTS is manned 24/7 and can be contacted on VHF Channel 12 or on 9431 6333.

The previously approved observer is required to submit an Observer Declaration Form. Don’t forget to take a photo at the finish location to upload within the Form.

• Your Observer will need to submit the Observer Declaration Form within seven (7) days of the attempt.
• If you successfully completed the crossing, the RCSA will table the details of your attempt at the next Board meeting for ratification.
• Once ratified, your crossing will be added to the Official Solo Crossing Records and published on the Rottnest Channel Swim Association website.