Often asked: Which action is legal when towing a water-skier behind a vessel?

Which of the following would be required when towing a person on water skis behind a PWC rated for two people?

All persons being towed behind a motorboat or motorized device on water skis, an aquaplane, or other device must wear a USCG–approved PFD. If towing a person on skis or other device with a PWC, the PWC must be rated to carry at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.

What is the proper procedure of towing a person who is water skiing?

RULES & REGULATIONS:

Obey the following rules when towing a water–skier–it’s the law: A spotter must be in the boat at all times. The towing vessel must be equipped with an extra seat for each person that is being towed in case an emergency recovery is necessary.

When must a spotter be present when towing a water skier?

Obey the following rules when towing a water–skier–it’s the law: A spotter must be in the boat at all times. The towing vessel must be equipped with an extra seat for each person that is being towed in case an emergency recovery is necessary.

What is the maximum number of water skiers that may be towed legally behind a vessel?

How many people can be towed behind a vessel at one time? No more than six people may be towed on one or more inflatable tubes and no more than two people may be towed on water skis, aquaplanes, or other devices from the same motorboat at the same time.

What is a requirement for towing a skier behind a pleasure craft?

PWCs that are towing a person on water skis or similar devices must be designed and recommended by the manufacturer to accommodate three persons—the operator, the observer, and the person being towed. A person may not be towed between one hour after sunset and sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility.

What is the safest area for towing a skier?

While towing a skier, the operator should:

• Keep the skier at a safe distance—at least twice the length of the tow rope—from the shoreline, docks, hazards, and people in the water.
• Avoid congested areas, beaches, docks, and swimming areas.
• Maintain a sharp lookout for other vessels and obstructions in the water.

During what hours is it legal to tow a skier?

California law requires there to be at least two persons aboard a boat towing a skier: the operator, and an observer 12 years of age or older. Participating in any towing sport is prohibited during the hours from sunset and sunrise.

What is the best speed for water skiing?

Ideal Boat Speeds by Water Activity

Activity	Boat Speed
Combo Skiing	25 mph
Slalom Skiing	19-36 mph
Shaped Skiing	20-30 mph
Wakeboarding	16-19 mph

Is wakeboarding easier than water skiing?

Is it easier to wakeboard or water ski behind a boat? For “regular” riding back and forth behind the boat, wakeboarding tends to be easier on the body than slalom skiing. Wakeboarding falls hurt way more compared to water skiing, so you should always try to keep your edge up!

When can an unseaworthy pleasure craft be legally operated?

The operator of a pleasure craft cannot tow a person after dark (one hour after sunset to sunrise). The operator of a pleasure craft cannot knowingly operate a pleasure craft that is unseaworthy.

What is a pleasure craft operator obligated to do if they find a person in danger needing to be rescued?

The operator of a pleasure craft has an obligation to stop and offer assistance when the operator is involved in an accident. He/she should watch for signals that show distress and need of assistance.

Do you have to wear a lifejacket while water skiing?

Any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket. Exceptions are made for those performing or participating in an official regatta, marine parade, tournament, or exhibition. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for use while water–skiing.

How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed?

In establishing a safe operating speed, the operator must take into account visibility; traffic density; ability to maneuver the vessel (stopping distance and turning ability); background light at night; proximity of navigational hazards; draft of the vessel; limitations of radar equipment; and the state of wind, sea,

Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC?

If you allow the engine on a PWC or other jet-propelled vessel to return to idle or shut off during operation, you may lose all steering control. Many PWC will continue in the direction they were headed before the throttle was released or the engine was shut off, no matter which way the steering control is turned.

How far of a distance is it recommended that a PWC keep between itself and large ships?

A PWC may not be operated at greater than 6 knots (6.9 miles per hour) within 100 feet of another vessel except in a crossing or overtaking situation in accordance with the navigation rules.