Rules & Equipment

2026 Rules & Equipment

In any life-threatening emergency call 000.

**Please note the changes to 2026, regarding the requirement to wear a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Mandatory Equipment

Lifejacket
- All competitors must wear an approved Australian Standard AS 4758 or International Standard ISO 12402 Lifejacket.
  - All surf ski, outrigger, SUP and Foil paddlers must wear an approved minimum Level 50S Lifejacket. Your lifejacket must be Hi-Vis or a Hi-Vis top is to be worn over the top of the lifejacket. No bum bag inflatable lifejackets are permitted.
  - Prone paddleboard paddlers only are permitted to wear an approved Lifejacket Level 100/150 bum bag inflatable lifejacket. A Hi-Vis top must be worn.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – Competitors must wear a GPS enabled Personal Locator Beacon registered with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) – one per craft.
Orange and Red Flares OR Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) – Competitors must carry one in date orange smoke flare and one red hand held flare OR an approved Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) – one per craft. Click here for a list of approved flares. We recommend EVDS’s. Click here for the The flares or EVDS should be easily accessible when on the water. Red parachute distress rocket flares are not permitted.
Safety Leash – Competitors must be attached to their craft via a safety leash – one per craft
Whistle –Competitors are required to have a pealess whistle attached to their lifejacket – one per person.
Hi-Vis Clothing – Competitors must wear a piece of Hi-Vis clothing – this can be a Hi-Vis lifejacket or Hi-Vis top worn over your lifejacket.
Mobile Phone – Competitors must carry a mobile phone in a water proof case using the EventSafe Tracking App – one per craft.
EventSafe Tracking App – Competitors must have the tracking app activated using their mobile phone. Click here for full details.
Timing Chip – Competitors must wear the electronic timing chip on their ankle (right or left ankle). This will be provided at registration – one per craft.

Strongly Recommended

In addition to the above we strongly recommend competitors carry a VHF Handheld Radio during the event. VHF handhelds are an inexpensive item of equipment that enables immediate contact between the competitor and safety vessels. The event channel will be given to those using VHF Marine Radios.
It is also recommended that a minimum of 1L of water is to be carried during the race, and sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen

For more information on safety equipment please visit WA Transport Marine Safety

There will be equipment scrutineering on Rottnest Island. Any competitor that does not abide by the rules and equipment requirements will be automatically disqualified.

In any life-threatening emergency call 000.

**Please note the changes to 2026, regarding the requirement to wear a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Mandatory Equipment

> Lifejacket – one per person

All competitors must wear an approved Australian Standard AS 4758 or International Standard ISO 12402 Lifejacket.

All surf ski, outrigger, SUP and Foil paddlers must wear an approved minimum Level 50S Lifejacket. Your lifejacket must be Hi-Vis or a Hi-Vis top is to be worn over the top of the lifejacket. No bum bag inflatable lifejackets are permitted.
Prone paddleboard paddlers only are permitted to wear an approved Lifejacket Level 100/150 bum bag inflatable lifejacket. A Hi-Vis top must be worn.

> Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – one per craft

Competitors must wear a GPS enabled Personal Locator Beacon registered with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority).

> Orange and Red Flares OR Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS) – per craft

Competitors must carry one in date orange smoke flare and one red hand held flare OR an approved Electronic Visual Distress Signal (EVDS).
All flares must be manufactured to Australian Standard AS 2092-2004 or comply with AMSA’s Marine Orders Part 25
Click here for a list of approved flares.
The flares or EVDS should be easily accessible when on the water.
Red parachute distress rocket flares are not permitted.

> Safety Leash – one per craft

Competitors must be attached to their craft via a safety leash.

> Whistle – one per person

Competitors are required to have a pealess whistle attached to their lifejacket.

> Hi-Vis Clothing

Competitors must wear a piece of Hi-Vis clothing – this can be a Hi-Vis lifejacket or Hi-Vis top worn over your lifejacket.

> Mobile Phone – one per craft

Competitors must carry a mobile phone in a water proof case using the EventSafe Tracking App.

> EventSafe Tracking App – one per craft

Competitors must have the tracking app activated using their mobile phone. Click here for full details.

> Timing Chip – one per craft

Competitors must wear the electronic timing chip on their ankle (right or left ankle). This will be provided at registration – one per craft.

Strongly Recommended

In addition to the above we strongly recommend competitors carry a VHF Handheld Radio during the event. VHF handhelds are an inexpensive item of equipment that enables immediate contact between the competitor and safety vessels. The event channel will be given to those using VHF Marine Radios.
It is also recommended that a minimum of 1L of water is to be carried during the race, and sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen

For more information on safety equipment please visit WA Transport Marine Safety

There will be equipment scrutineering on Rottnest Island. Any competitor that does not abide by the rules and equipment requirements will be automatically disqualified.

Evidence of Ocean Paddling Experience

To compete in The Doctor 2026, all competitors will be required to have completed a pre-qualifying event.

Accepted qualifying events are:

The Doctor 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025
Shaw and Partners Downwind International 2026 — held on Thursday 19th November 2026, two days prior to The Doctor

If you have not previously completed a Doctor event, you must compete in and finish the Shaw and Partners Downwind International 2026 in order to be eligible to race in The Doctor 2026. You can select this when entering online.

Event Rules

All competitors must abide by the following event rules:

Check in on Rottnest Island by 10am on the day of the race. Specific details will be provided.
Wear/carry the mandatory equipment as specified above.
Attend the two pre-event briefings held on Friday at Sorrento SLSC and immediately prior to race start on race day at Army Jetty, Rottnest Island (or as advised by the race director). See program for details.
A competitor who registers on Friday and then decides not to race or withdraws mid-event must notify the event officials either in person or by phone to be formally withdrawn from the event (event contact numbers will be available at registration).
Stop and help any other competitor/s in difficulty whilst on the course.
Follow the event course at all times.
Follow the direction of water safety officials at all times when on the water.
Give way to larger vessels when on the water at all times
Fremantle Port is a commercial port and operations will not cease during the event. Commercial shipping has right of way at all times.
All paddlers and their private escort boats must stay well clear of all commercial operations at all times when on the water.
Any competitors with private escort boats must be operated by registered certified skippers. NOTE: We are required by waterway authorities to notify them of all private escort boats. Please email or phone us with the boat name and type, and name and phone number of the skipper a minimum 48 hours prior to the event. The VHF radio channel will be provided to you for the skipper to monitor.

Additional Information

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can vary significantly and the safety of competitors, safety crew and the general public will be considered by the Oceanpaddler Race Director.
The Oceanpaddler Race Director will advise on adverse weather conditions or any matter which gives rise to a safety concern. This may result in the race being modified or cancelled.

Flares

Ensure you have read the instructions and know how to use your flare if required.
Ensure your flare is easily accessible should you need to use it.

SUP Foil Category sponsored by Foil Drive

SUP Foils have a slightly different format to the rest of the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week. The points for the first three races:

Fenn West Coast Downwind IOP Event
Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series 2
Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series 3

…will be added, with the top 20 at that point, invited to compete in the Shaw and Partners Doctor. If you finish outside of the twenty you can still compete in the race but you will be required to have an escort boat.

If you wish only enter the Shaw and Partners Doctor you will also be required to have an escort boat.

The winner and place getters of the Foil Drive SUP Foil category at the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week will be determined by the results of The Shaw and Partners Doctor race. To be eligible for prize money, athletes must have competed in the three prior races during WA Race Week.

Please note: Foil Drive is the sponsor of this event. All SUP foils must be paddle-powered and cannot have mechanical thrust.

Evidence of Ocean Paddling Experience

In order to compete in The Doctor 2025 all competitors will be required to have completed in full a pre-qualifying event. You will be required to list the event during the online entry process. Some of these events may not have occurred at the time of entering the race. You can still list this event and your entry will be checked prior to The Doctor to ensure you have completed the qualifying event.

The Doctor 2022, 2023 or 2024
Fenn West Coast Downwind 2023 or 2024
Sunset Surfski Series Race 2023 or 2024
20 Beaches 2023 or 2024
The Chucky 2023 or 2024
SA Ocean Paddling Series race from 2023 or 2024

For international paddlers only – If you have not completed (or planning on completing) one of the pre-qualifying events, you will need to list the events you have competed in for us to access your entry.

Event Rules

All competitors must abide by the following event rules:

Check in on Rottnest Island by 10am on the day of the race. Specific details will be provided.
Wear/carry the mandatory equipment as specified above.
Attend the two pre-event briefings held on Friday at Sorrento SLSC and immediately prior to race start on race day at Army Jetty, Rottnest Island (or as advised by the race director). See program for details.
A competitor who registers on Friday and then decides not to race or withdraws mid-event must notify the event officials either in person or by phone to be formally withdrawn from the event (event contact numbers will be available at registration).
Stop and help any other competitor/s in difficulty whilst on the course.
Follow the event course at all times.
Follow the direction of water safety officials at all times when on the water.
Give way to larger vessels when on the water at all times
Fremantle Port is a commercial port and operations will not cease during the event. Commercial shipping has right of way at all times.
All paddlers and their private escort boats must stay well clear of all commercial operations at all times when on the water.
Any competitors with private escort boats must be operated by registered certified skippers. NOTE: We are required by waterway authorities to notify them of all private escort boats. Please email or phone us with the boat name and type, and name and phone number of the skipper a minimum 48 hours prior to the event. The VHF radio channel will be provided to you for the skipper to monitor.

Additional Information

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can vary significantly and the safety of competitors, safety crew and the general public will be considered by the Oceanpaddler Race Director.
The Oceanpaddler Race Director will advise on adverse weather conditions or any matter which gives rise to a safety concern. This may result in the race being modified or cancelled.

Know how to use your Orange Smoke Flare

Ensure you have read the instructions and know how to use your flare if required.
Ensure your flare is easily accessible should you need to use it.

General Orange Smoke Flare Instructions Image – please check your individual flare as instructions may vary.

1. Check instructions
2. Remove cap
3. Pull yellow knob upwards and outward
4. Hold out and leeward

Tracking App

With safety for our competitors our number one concern, this year we have implemented the Coast Guard SafeTrx App for The Doctor for all competitors to use.

SafeTrx is a Smartphone App for both Android & Apple iOS devices that allows you to have your journey recorded and monitored if needed by the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard. Competitors will carry their personal mobile phone in a waterproof pouch during the race using the SafeTrx app Flotilla event function.

SafeTrx will allow the event organiser and spectators to track competitors live GPS location during the event via the web. SafeTrxhas recently been used for paddling events in South Africa, Ireland, the UK and Holland with great success.

Start using SafeTrx Now!
Please download the SafeTrx app and become familiar with how the app works during training ready for the race. For paddling, we recommend using the TRACK ONLY mode and sharing it with a friend or family member before you head out for a paddle.

Rules & Equipment – The Doctor

Rules & Equipment

2026 Rules & Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

Evidence of Ocean Paddling Experience

Event Rules

Additional Information

SUP Foil Category sponsored by Foil Drive

Evidence of Ocean Paddling Experience

Event Rules

Additional Information

Tracking App

Download SafeTrx