Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel
Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, inner tubes, or any similar devices have specific equipment and observer requirements.
- Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis or similar devices must wear a properly secured USCG–approved wearable Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Ski belts are not USCG approved. It is the legal responsibility of the owner of the towing vessel to enforce this requirement.
- Every vessel (except PWC) towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must:
- Have a capable observer, other than the operator, who is at least 12 years old or...
- Be equipped with a wide-angle rearview mirror. The size of the mirror must be at least 500 square centimeters (78 square inches) and have a field of vision of at least 170 degrees.
- Every PWC towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must have mirrors mounted on both the right and left sides of the PWC (but not attached to the steering control). The mirrors must be at least 2½ inches high by 4 inches wide.
