What is legal when operating a vessel on NC water?

Towing people on water skis, surfboards, or similar devices is only permitted from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Any person who is being towed behind a boat, in an activity such as water skiing, must wear a properly fitted USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD.

If using a PWC to tow someone on water skis, a surfboard, or similar devices, in addition to the operator, there must be a competent observer on board or the PWC must be equipped with a wide-angle mirror to observe the skier being towed. The PWC must have a capacity rating at least equal to the number of people operating, observing, and being towed.

If using a vessel other than a PWC to tow someone on water skis, a surfboard, or similar devices, there must be a competent observer on board, or the vessel must be equipped with a wide-angle mirror to observe the skier being towed, or the person being towed is wearing a properly fitted USCG-approved PFD. The towing vessel must have room within the vessel’s maximum capacity, for anyone being towed behind the boat.

Take this North Carolina–approved course to complete your online boating safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Lifetime Card

Who needs the North Carolina Boater Education Card?

All boaters born on or after January 1, 1988 must have a North Carolina Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more. BOATERexam.com® is a delegated provider for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Get Certified
$34.95

Returning user? Log in here