Solo Swim Ratification and Certification

How to Apply for Solo Swim Ratification

Marathon Swimming Australia provides a clear and transparent pathway for swimmers seeking official ratification or certification of a solo marathon swim.

This page explains what to do before, during and after your swim.

Step 1: Contact MSA Before Your Swim

Swimmers intending to apply for ratification or certification, you should contact MSA in advance with your:

  • proposed swim date and location

  • intended route and distance

  • preliminary observer arrangements

  • support vessel and crew details

Early contact helps ensure expectations are clear and avoids issues later in the process.

Step 2: Ensure Your Swim Is Compliant

Your swim must:

  • be at least 10km in distance

  • be completed unassisted (in the case of a ratified swim attempt)

  • comply with recognised marathon swimming rules

  • be independently observed

MSA strongly encourages swimmers to familiarise themselves with the Rules & Regulations page before attempting their swim.

Step 3: Complete Required Documentation: Swim Ratification and Certification Kit

For a swim to be considered for official ratification or certification by Marathon Swimming Australia, a complete and accurate documentation package must be submitted.

MSA’s documentation standards exist to ensure:

  • Swimmer safety

  • Fair and consistent application of the rules

  • Clear and verifiable evidence for historical record

To ensure all documentation requirements are met, swimmers and observers are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the official MSA Swim Ratification and Certification Kit as part of their ratification or certification submission.

The kit includes:

  • Observer log templates

  • Swimmer, pilot and crew information forms

  • Equipment declarations

  • GPS and media requirements

  • Documentation checklist aligned with MSA Rules

Use of the official kit significantly reduces assessment time and ensures compliance with MSA ratification standards.

Step 4: Submission and Review

Once submitted, documentation is reviewed by the MSA Ratification Committee. If clarification is required, the swimmer may be contacted for additional information.

Once approved: