The attempts and the observer

5.1 Observer#

The swimmer shall perform the crossing in the presence of an observer. A crossing performed without an observer shall not be recognized.

The observer shall remain on board the support boat for the entire duration of the crossing, from entry into the water until exit, and shall certify:

• that the route has been covered in its entirety;
• that these regulations have been complied with;
• that the recorded times correspond to the conduct of the crossing.

The observer shall possess attention to detail, knowledge of these regulations, and impartiality. It is not excluded that the observer may be a family member of the swimmer, but it is recommended that they not be.

5.2 Pre-departure requirements#

Before departure, the observer shall:

• read these regulations aloud to the swimmer and the pilot;
• record the equipment and the elements declared pursuant to Art. 3.4;
• sign the crossing declaration with the swimmer.

5.3 Logbook#

The observer shall complete the logbook at intervals not exceeding 30 minutes and, in any case, at least once every hour, recording:

• the time;
• the position, in coordinates;
• the stroke rate per minute;
• the water and air temperature;
• the wind and sea state;
• the feedings;
• in the notes, every relevant event: contact with jellyfish, current variations, cramps, sightings, the onset of night.

The observer shall record the departure time to the second, at the moment the swimmer enters the water from land or pushes off from a rock, and the arrival time, at the moment they exit the water onto land or touch it.

In the event of a discrepancy, the observer's logbook shall prevail over the GPS track.

5.4 Track#

During the crossing, the GPS track of the support boat shall be recorded, preferably with two devices. The swimmer shall submit the original track file; a map image is not permitted. The track shall be compared with the logbook regarding the route, speed, and direction.

5.5 Photographs and videos#

The swimmer shall submit at least:

• photographs or videos of the departure and arrival;
• a photograph approximately every hour and one at each notable point of the route;
• a video of their stroke, lasting no less than 15 seconds.

The photographs shall be submitted in their original format, including the date and location data of the shot. The originals are reserved for the party examining the dossier; a copy devoid of such data, with the indication of the author, shall be published on the page.

Conditions documented by photographs deemed suitable during the examination, such as jellyfish, rough seas, or a night arrival, shall be recorded as an annotation on the crossing.

5.6 Dossier#

The swimmer shall submit the crossing dossier via Omniathlon OWS. The dossier shall include the signed declaration, the logbook, the track, the photographs, and the videos, and may include the swimmer's account. The examination of the dossier shall consist of the comparison between the track and the logbook, between times and route, and between photographs and timestamps.

5.7 Documentation prepared on other forms#

The dossier may be prepared on forms other than those of Omniathlon OWS, including those of other organizations, provided that it contains all the elements required by Arts. 5.1-5.5. The crossing shall be examined according to these regulations.

A crossing ratified by an entity pursuant to Art. 6.1 shall be registered as ratified by said entity, subject to verification with its records, and shall not be subject to a new examination.

A ratification issued by an organization that does not maintain records of the stretch does not constitute ratification pursuant to Art. 6.1: the relative documentation shall be examined as a dossier pursuant to this article.