Notes

• You are not required to use one of these boats listed here on the SBCSA website, but please keep in mind it is the swimmer’s responsibility to ensure the swim is adequately supported by an appropriate boat and qualified pilot. When selecting pilots & boats, you should review the below General Considerations for Hiring Pilots & Escort Boats.

• For one-way (12 mile) Anacapa swims (and Anacapa circumnavigations), smaller (30-45 ft) boats out of Channel Islands Harbor or Ventura Harbor are probably the most cost-effective option. For longer swims from more outlying islands, consider the expected duration of your swim and your expected crew size, and you may want to consider a larger boat. Please contact us for more specific recommendations.

• The swimmer and the escort boat owner enter into a direct agreement/contract regarding the charter hire. The SBCSA is not involved in this transaction.

• Each boat listed here on the SBCSA website can be assumed to be sufficient for a basic one-way Anacapa swim (12 miles/20 km) (or an Anacapa circumnavigation). If you are attempting a longer swim route, please consider that some boats may not be appropriate for these swims. Please confirm with both the captain and the SBCSA that the boat is suitable for your proposed swim attempt.

• For a boat capacity of six, that means you have room for four crew members (assuming one swimmer and one observer). For routes longer than a one-way Anacapa swim, the SBCSA assigns two observers. Please contact us for clarification.

General Considerations in Hiring Pilots & Escort Boats

PILOTS

Pilots are USCG licensed individuals that operate escort boats for open water swimmers in the Channel Islands. They plan, guide, navigate, and protect swimmers during their open water swims.

The pilots of escort boats are the ultimate authority in all matters. Pilots may cancel swims at any time, for any reason, including, but not limited to, concerns for the safety of the swimmers or support personnel.

Pilots are responsible for following all relevant local maritime regulations.

Pilot duties include:

• Plan the swim

• Monitor current weather conditions and confirm the swim is a GO  

• Carry out the briefing

• During the swim be in regular communication and coordination with the SBCSA representative (e.g. the observer) that is on board

• Manage communication with boat traffic services

• Demonstrate knowledge of the ocean, currents, topography, shipping lanes, and major areas of potential threats to swims

• Organize on-water assets such as boat, crew, paddler, etc.

• Ensure a safe outing on the water from dock to dock

  Pilot Questions:

• What type of USCG license?

• Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) (aka 6-Pack)?

• Master?

• How much experience does the pilot have escorting swimmers?

• How many successful swims has the pilot escorted?

• How much experience does the pilot have navigating in the waters you are planning to swim?

• Does the pilot carry insurance?

• What is the charter fee structure? Flat fee, per hour, or hybrid?

• If per hour, does this include travel time to the start, and from the finish?

• If your swim may exceed 12 hours (dock-to-dock), do the fees include a second captain? (See “12 Hour Rule” below.)

• Do the fees include galley service?

• What is the refund or rescheduling policy (if any) if ocean conditions do not permit the boat to leave harbor?

• What if the boat leaves the harbor, but upon arrival at the swim start, conditions are too dangerous for the swim to begin?

• For swims longer than a one-way Anacapa swim (12.2 miles), it is likely that your swim event will last longer than 12 hours, dock-to-dock. According to the USCG 12-hour Rule, a commercial charter captain may not work more than 12 hours in a given 24-hour period. Therefore, if a swim is anticipated to take longer than 12 hours, a second captain may be required. Additionally, a second observer should be accounted for in the planned boat capacity. Is the pilot prepared and willing to accommodate a swim that lasts longer than anticipated?

ESCORT BOATS

• What is the boat’s stated capacity? Is it sufficient to accommodate the swimmer, swimmer’s crew and paddlers, and SBCSA observer(s)?

• How many beds/bunks does the boat have?

• How much space is there on the boat? Inside space vs. outside space?

• How comfortable will your crew be? (This is a function of the size of your crew, the size of the boat, and the anticipated duration of your swim.)

• Does The boat have adequate shade to protect the crew from sun and/or rain?

• Does the boat have a swim step? If not, is there at least a swimmer-friendly ladder?

• Does the boat have a head? A shower?

• Does the boat have warm water?

• Does the boat have a galley or kitchenette for cooking meals and warming feeds?

• Does the boat have a good spotlight to illuminate the swimmer at night when touching the island or during the swim?

• Does the boat have a Divers Flag that can be raised while the swimmer is in the water?

• Are there recent USCG inspection records for the boat?

• USCG Vessel Safety Check (VSC) 

• Is the boat equipped with radar and adequate equipment to operate at nighttime and limited visibility conditions?

• Does the boat have a marine radio to communicate with USCG, Harbor Patrol, Lifeguards, other boats, etc.?

• Does the boat have good navigation tools to guide the swim?

• Is proof of insurance available?

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