Unconventional Crossings of the Dover Strait in Unorthodox Craft

Most of the unorthodox craft used in attempts to cross the Dover Strait are very small and have limited speed and ability to manoeuvre.  They are not adequate for deep-sea navigation in a heavy traffic area.  Their presence, or that of a group of them in the Dover Strait, will dangerously impede the vessels in the traffic lanes and may lead to a marine casualty.  It is the view of the Anglo/French Safety of Navigation Group that such crossings are highly irresponsible, and that potential participants must be persuaded to look for a challenge elsewhere, in areas where they do not constitute a hazard to other people going about their lawful activities.

As clearly stated above the Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea has issued an order (No 14/93) expressly forbidding swimming and associated activity of an unorthodox nature within the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme, within French territorial waters.  The sole events excluded from the prohibition are those Cross Channel swimming attempts organised and approved by the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) and  (CS&PF).  Unorthodox craft, which are characterised by slow speed and poor or non-existent manoeuvrability, such as tyres, bathtubs, rafts and pedalos, are not authorised to proceed more than 300 metres from the French coast.  As a consequence they do not have the right to sail in French territorial waters within the Pas de Calais Traffic Separation Scheme.  The French Maritime Authorities prohibit crossings of the Pas de Calais by unorthodox craft setting out from the French coast.  The same applies to beach pleasure craft.  However, in exceptional cases the French Maritime Authorities may grant authority for unorthodox craft to cross French territorial waters within the Traffic Separation Scheme when these craft set off from the British coast, on condition that the request for authorisation is sent to them with the opinion of the British Maritime Authorities.

If however, after the above advice you still intend to proceed with an unconventional crossing, for example by swimming in or under the water or in any craft, structure or floating object other than a vessel adapted or intended to be used for a sea voyage, you should:

  • be aware that you could be faced with liability for damages if you contributed to an incident involving other persons or vessels, and should consider obtaining insurance cover against such events;
  • inform both Dover MRCC and CROSS Gris
  • use an escort boat properly equipped to ensure the safety of your crossing and which complies with the Merchant Shipping (Small Work Boats and Pilot Boats) Regulations.

Contact Details

UK Coastguard

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency
HM Coastguard,
MRCC Dover
Langdon Battery
Swingate
DOVER
Kent
CT15 5NA

Telephone:01304 218500
Fax:01304 218505
e-mail: channel.navigation@mcga.gov.uk

French Coastguard

Centre Régional Opérational de Surveillance et de Sauvetage (CROSS) Gris Nez
Audinghen 62179
Wissant
FRANCE

Telephone:(00 33) 3 21 87 21 87
Fax:(00 33) 3 21 87 78 55