UNORTHODOX CROSSINGS INFORMATION
Unorthodox Crossing Updates and Government contacts 2025 update
Channel rowing and unorthodox crossings are restricted by the French authorities these days since they introduced – rule 28 in 2013
Everything Channel and boarder crossing wise is still complicated and vague since the conclusion of Brexit. They are changing regularily and we are expecting more new set of rules to work to from the British or French authorities.
The French authorities have changed their restrictions slightly reference our Adventure Gig rows now and are just insisting that there is no rowing in the North East shipping lane. We do however still need to register and apply for permission to enter French waters. The rowing teams now need to be taken onboard the escort boats and the Gigs towed across the North East shipping lane section.
The rules for travelling in the inshore waters of France are governed by a set of local rules now. Our Adventure gigs are up to the required standards for us to continue to row them once we leave the North East shipping lanes.
You need a crew of 7/8 for our local Gig rows, a minimum of 10/12 for the longer rows like the London to Paris. The rows are costed depending on the number of escort boats needed for the gig crew team members, the time period of the row and the start and finish points. Transit rules change if you are not returning back to the UK with the escort vessel.
We also need to sort out an entry port if you want to land in France and continue into the EU.
Below is our standard information sheet which tries to explain the problems and what we can and can not do at the moment.
As we are seriously involved with English Channel swimming, Endurance rowing, Channel crossing escorts and safety boat work we work closely with both the British and French authorities.
Our escort vessels are all commercially certificated plus registered with both the British and French authorities.
This means we are working within the parameters of the new French and EU regulations and MLC 2006 escort vessel certification requirements plus working hour restrictions.
The French authorities have restricted all of the unorthodox Channel crossing events unless they have permission to cross from Cherbourg. This includes Kite surfing, wind surfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking and all of the other types of unorthodox classed crossings between Dover and France using a new law that was put in place by the French authorities as of June 2013 -
"Rule 28 Prefecture Maritime De La Manchu Et De La Mer Du Nord" it is on the internet but only in French
The rule is on the internet if you want to look at it - search "rule 28 Prefecture Maritime ".
There is updated information on the internet and Gov.uk and www.mca.gov.uk web sites - type in "unorthodox Channel crossings" in the search boxes.
Any Channel crossing attempts between Dover and Northern France that enter French waters without permission from the French Authorities (Admiral of Cherbourg's office) are under threat of being arrested and escorted to Calais and up to a €17,000 Euro fine under the new law.
We have also had new clarification regarding boarder control, immigration, visas and exit and re-entry during our Channel crossing events.
The EU have updated and changed the legal requirements for the use of commercial certificated small commercial vessels entering EU waters, the MLC 2006 rules now have a lot of additional restrictions and crewing amendments added
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UNORTHODOX CROSSING OF THE DOVER STRAIT TRAFFIC
internet notice
Please check with the MCA and UK.gov web sites for the latest update www.mcga.gov.uk
Be aware you may contravene French Law and be subsequently apprehended and charged by the French Authorities under the French rule: "rule 28" - brought into force as of June 2013
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 or CROSS Gris Nez of any attempt and make sure you have written permission from the French authorities to enter French waters.
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 and the new EU rules now put in place.
Be aged 16 or over on the date of the attempt.
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES ARE:
UK COASTGUARD - The Maritime and Coastguard Agency
HM Coastguard,
Langdon Battery
Swingate. DOVER Kent CT15 5NA
Tel: +44 (0)1304 218500 (Office hours)
+44 (0)1304 210008 (H24)
Fax: +44 (0)1304 218505 (Office hours)
+44 (0)1304 202137 (H24)
Email: channel.navigation@mcga.gov.uk
wm.dover@mcga.gov.uk (H24)
Web site: www.mcga.gov.uk
CNIS Manager
Dover MRCC
DDI: +44 1304 218503
MOB: +44 7730 812921
FAX: +44 1304 218505
FRENCH MARITIME AUTHORITY
Requests for permission:
Channel Crossing Permissions
Division action de l'Etat en mer
50115 Cherbourg
Osterville CEDEX France
FRENCH COASTGUARD
Centre Regional Operational 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