Entrants must organise their own support boat and paddle craft – no personal watercraft (jet skis) permitted.

The size of the boat required is determined by two factors:
• The minimum size of boat that is legally permitted to travel to Rottnest Island;
• The number of people onboard.

For these reasons, and for comfort and sun/wind protection, the RCSA recommends the following size boats:
Category Recommended Boat Size
Solo No less than 5 metres
Duo / team No less than 6 metres

The RCSA will, however, allow any vessel with a length 4.5 metres or greater legally permitted carry the whole team (including the swimmer(s) and paddler(s), and support crew).

The number permitted is determined by EITHER the information displayed on the Australian Builder’s Plate or (if there is no Builder’s Plate) by reference to the W.A. Department of Transport requirements per the following table:

Length of Boat Maximum number of people aboard (including the swimmer/s and paddler/s)
4.5m to less than 5.0m 5
5.0m to less than 5.5m 6
5.5m to less than 6.0m 7

It is the responsibility of the Skipper to make sure the boat is suitable and capable of making the trip and to check, and double check, that the support boat is not overloaded.

It is highly recommended but not compulsory, that paddle craft be used to assist the swimmer/s and skipper on the day.

Boats 10 metres or greater must stay south of the fleet at all times. A tender will be required to be in close proximity to the swimmer.

Further minimum support boat guidelines include:

- 1 x life jacket (PFD Type 1) for each person on board - including swimmers and paddlers;
- All skippers must be in possession of a Recreational Skippers Ticket - this ticket number will need to be provided at the time of entering your registration;
- All vessels must carry an operational two-way marine radio VHF or 27MHz, two hand-held organe flares, and two parachute distress rocket flares;
- All vessels must meet the WA Navigable Waters Regulations requirements for registrable vessels;
- All vessels must be equipped with the required mandatory safety and emergency equipment as per the WA Navigable Waters Regulations;
- All vessels must carry an anchor and line;
- Vessels greater than 7 metres must have a bilge pump fitted.

Please note: If a boat fails to meet the minimum safety equipment requirements, the team or individual will be disqualified (DSQ).