Swimmer Responsibilities: Pilot and Escort Vessels
When planning your swim, securing a qualified pilot or escort vessel with a deep understanding of the unique challenges of navigating the San Francisco Bay is essential. Your pilot must be proficient in coordinating with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), adhering to USCG regulations, and safely maneuvering through one of the nation’s busiest ports. Prioritize experience and professionalism, as your safety and the success of your swim depend on these critical factors.
Unsuccessful swim attempts are often due to a lack of information, incorrect navigation, vessel traffic issues, swimmer fatigue, and inadequate planning. However, skilled piloting, proper preparation, and detailed planning can effectively mitigate these challenges.
Please note that this arrangement is independent of NCOWSA, and we cannot coordinate these services for you. Your pilot, swimmer, or crew is responsible for the swim course, current navigation, traffic management, and logistics. These aspects vary based on conditions and are central to what makes swimming in the Bay both exciting and challenging.
Given the complexities of the San Francisco Bay, it’s crucial that your pilot has experience working with San Francisco VTS and strictly follows USCG Navigation Rules and VTS Sector San Francisco regulations. Coordination with VTS via VHF 14 before and during your swim is mandatory. We also highly recommend that your escort vessel be equipped with a Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) for added safety.
If you’re a Dolphin Club or South End Rowing Club member, you can use club vessels as your escort, provided you have club approval. In these cases, NCOWSA will assign a trained Observer, also a club member, to document your swim and ensure compliance with all the rules.
For insurance reasons, we cannot place Observers on unlicensed or illegal charters or vessels piloted by unlicensed operators. Ensuring your pilot and vessel are fully licensed and legal is critical for your swim to be properly observed and ratified. Private escort vessels are acceptable but have certain limitations; don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for details.
Lastly, while your Observer is there to monitor and document the swim, they are not responsible for course logistics or navigation. These responsibilities rest with your pilot and/or you as the swimmer. The Observer is available to answer any questions regarding the rules and the course, ensuring you feel informed and confident about these aspects of your swim attempt.