Pilot Boat Charters

Pilot Boat Requirements
Swimmers are responsible for hiring their own escort boats and pilots. Please keep in mind:​
  • You must have your swim date and boat charter confirmed before submitting your swim application package.
  • The swimmer and the pilot boat agreement is separate from the application to sanction a swim. MBSA is NOT directly involved in the agreement between a swimmer and pilot boat charter.​
  • When selecting a boat, take into consideration where on the boat and how food will be prepared (for both swimmer and crew). 
  • If you have any questions regarding pilot boat charters, please contact MBSA.
  1. Boats must have sufficient capacity to accommodate the swimmer, crew and paddlers, and observer(s). Any sanctioned swim that may exceed 12 hours, must include space for two MBSA Observers.​
  2. For any sanctioned swim exceeding 3 hours, a working head (toilet) is required.
  3. All boats must have an adequate swim ladder.
  4. All boats must be equipped with a reliable system for safely extracting an incapacitated swimmer from the water.
  5. Boats must be equipped with reliable navigation equipment and meet all USCG requirements for sailing at night and in fog. 
  6. For swims expected to last longer than 12 hours, dock-to-dock, the  USCG may require two licensed captains on board. Check with your charter captain to determine if this USCG applies to your charter.

Pilot Boat Charters

These are just a few recommendations. You can use any qualified boat and captains that meet the requirements listed above.
Nomad Sailing Charters
​Call Captain Brian Thom to arrange a charter. The Nomad is a good choice for solos and smaller crews (6 passenger max, including swimmer).
Pacific Open Water Swim Co.
Captains Sylvia and Brian are now extending the great pilot services they offer on San Francisco Bay to include Monterey Bay swim charters. They have a fleet of motor craft to meet your trans-bay solo swim needs. Contact Pacific Open Water Swim Co. for more information and to plan a swim. 
http://www.pacificswim.co 

​If you are having trouble finding a pilot on the dates you want to swim, please reach out to us and we will help you with the search.