Back to BoatsPlus main site.

Towing People

June 7, 2008 · Filed Under Operation 

The Ski/Towing Boat

  • Must have current registration
  • must have a minimum crew of two
  • the master (driver) and an observer (also applies to PWC when towing)
  • must have a capacity sticker
  • must carry appropriate safety equipment
  • cannot be remotely controlled.

The Driver

  • must hold a General Licence if the vessel will be operated at 10 knots or more, or PWC Licence when operating a PWC at any speed
  • is responsible for the safety of the boat and towed people and for maintaining the minimum distances off applicable to the boat and the skier(s).

The Observer

  • must be 16 years of age or older, or the holder of a Young Adult Licence
  • must not suffer hearing, sight, or other disabilities which could affect the performance of observation duties
  • has the prime responsibility of observing the towed people and reporting all matters affecting them to the master
  • tells the driver about other vessels approaching from behind
  • should be familiar with the standard hand signals.

In a ski boat the observer faces backwards to watch the person being towed whilst the driver faces forward to maintain lookout.

 

The Towed Person

  • No more than 3 skiers can be towed at once
  • Must maintain the minimum distances off, and when returning to shore must do so safely

Distances Off

When towing keep both the vessel and the towed person at least:

  • 30 metres from vessels not towing skiers, the shore, jetties, moorings, pump inlets, bridges
  • 60 metres from persons in the water (fallen skiers and aquaplaners, swimmers)

If towing aerial equipment (e.g. paraflying) keep both the vessel, towed person and equipment at least:

  • 300 metres from any bridge, cable, wire, pipeline or structure

Note: This regulation also applies to two or more vessels towing people travelling one behind the other.

No Towing Areas

In some areas skiing and wakeboarding etc may be prohibited and signs may be displayed. In other areas skiing may not be possible because of the location of hazards or a safe distances off cannot be maintained.

Towing Prohibited

Towing is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply