Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or any similar devices have specific observer and equipment requirements.

• When a vessel is pulling a person on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices, the operator must have a competent person on board to act as an observer.
• All vessels, including PWC, that are towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices must be designed and recommended by the manufacturer to accommodate the operator, observer, and person(s) being towed.
• Vessels towing persons on water skis or other devices must display a skier-towing flag.
• If a person being towed is not wearing a USCG–approved wearable PFD, then there must be a PFD for that person onboard the vessel.