When towing people engaged in water sports which safety actions are required by the person in charge of the towing vessel?

The Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook has an excellent section on towed water sports, so we thought we'd bring it to you as the weather warms up. But remember to check your local rules and regulations before you head out.

Towed water sports such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and kneeboarding are popular recreational boating activities. Vessels engaged in waterskiing often travel at high speeds, so vessel masters and crew members should arm themselves with appropriate skills and acquaint themselves with the local waterway rules. The rules are generally displayed on noticeboards at each waterway and are contained in the notices published in the Victorian Government Gazette and the Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules (VOZR).

Further information may be obtained from the relevant waterway manager (municipal council, water authority, etc) or from Transport Safety Victoria.

An up to date copy of the VOZR may be accessed on the Transport Safety Victoria’s website at www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au.

OBSERVER
The Marine Safety Regulations require that a person must not act as the master of a vessel engaged in towing a person on any State waters unless in addition to the master there is on board the vessel a person aged 12 years old or more who is in a position to observe the person being towed and communicate with the master of the vessel.

TOWINGThe Marine Safety Act and the Marine Safety Regulations require that:>> Towing is only permitted in the period from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset >> A maximum of three persons can be towed at any one time. When towing multiple skiers it is safer to have tow lines of the same length>> A person being towed is required to wear a type 1, 2 or 3 PFD at all times. Types 2 or 3 are recommended>> Once back in the vessel, the person who has been towed must wear the appropriate PFD for that vessel on the waterway being used if required>> The holder of a restricted marine licence must not act as the master of a vessel while the vessel is towing

>> The master must not cause or allow the vessel to tow a person unless the person is wearing a PFD

Speed and distance restrictions apply to the vessel as well as anything being towed.

The vessel must have carrying capacity for the master and observer. You should consider seating for any person/s being towed.

Inflatable items being towed tend to be pulled to the outside of turns as they have little grip on the water, resulting in high speeds and little directional control during turns. Multiple occupants of inflatable devices have an increased risk of injury due to collisions between occupants.

ACCESS LANES
An access lane is an area set aside for vessels engaged in towed water sports, such as water-skiing, to access the shore at unrestricted speed while towing.

Vessels may only operate in an access lane for the purpose of dropping off or picking up a water-skier or accessing a launching ramp located within the access lane.

Vessels must follow the correct direction of operation when entering or leaving the access lane – keep as far right as possible or, if the lane specifies travelling in a clockwise direction, keep as far left as possible. Vessels in an access lane must give way to vessels that are proceeding past the access lane or are currently in, or about to enter, the lane to drop off a water skier.

HAND SIGNALS
The following hand signals are commonly used to communicate when participating in towed watersports.

In addition to adhering to laws as they apply to all vessels, operators towing a person(s) on water-skis or a similar device must follow these rules.

• 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.
  • A water-ski wetsuit may be worn by any person engaged in barefoot, jump, trick, or slalom skiing on a marked course, as long as a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket is carried on the tow vessel for each skier electing to wear a wetsuit.
• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water-skis or a similar device must have a person on board, in addition to the operator, who can observe the person being towed. This observer must be at least 12 years of age.
• If towing a skier with a PWC, the PWC should be rated for at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
• The operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier must display a red or orange ski flag whenever:
  • A downed skier is in the water.
  • A skier is in the water preparing to ski.
  • A ski rope is extended from the vessel.
  • A ski is in the water in the vicinity of the vessel.

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Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must obey these laws also.

• It is illegal for vessels to tow skiers, skiboards, or any device of this type between sunset and sunrise. Local laws may also restrict skiing at certain times and in certain areas.
• Water-skis, aquaplanes, and similar devices must not be operated in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property. Passing the towline over another vessel or skier or navigating a skier or vessel between a vessel and its tow are specifically prohibited.

Those warm summer months of the year are finally upon us yet again, which can only mean one thing: fun on the open water is about to begin. Now is the time of year where not only experienced boaters take to the water, but many enjoying activities like water skiing for the first time. Those who may not be regular boaters might be unsure about not only the rules regarding water safety and the law, but the best practices they must adhere to in order to create the most enjoyable (and most importantly danger-free) experience possible.

Water Skiing, Towing and More: What You Need to Know

Everyone who ventures out onto the water for a little fun has a role to play and certain responsibilities they must meet, whether they realise it or not. Remember that failure to do so doesn't just make you a danger to yourself - it puts everyone else trying to enjoy a warm summer's day in harm’s way. If you're going to be engaged in wake surfing, knee boarding, tubing and similar water sports, keep the following things in mind:

• Anyone on a vessel that is currently being towed must wear a life jacket. This includes someone who is on a water ski.

• If you are operating a vessel that is currently towing someone, you must be able to produce your current registration (if applicable).

• If you're operating a towing vessel, you must also have a minimum crew of at least two people - the driver (which will presumably be yourself) and an observer.

• You must carry all appropriate safety equipment at all times, no exceptions.

• If you are driving a vessel that is currently towing someone, you must hold a general boat licence if you're planning to operate at speeds of 10 knots or more. Keep in mind that you will also need to have a PWC Licence if you're going to be operating a personal watercraft at any speed.

• You must also not tow more than three people at any one time.

Safe Distances and Speeds

In NSW, if you're going to be operating any type of craft, whether you're towing someone or not, it is also your responsibility to maintain minimum distances to those around you at all times.

• You should work hard to maintain a distance of at least 60 metres from any other person in the water at all times. If that is not possible depending on the situation, use your best judgment.

• If a dive flag is visible on the surface of the water, you must maintain a distance of 60 metres.

• You should also maintain a distance of 30 metres (if travelling at more than 6 knots) from any other vessel, as well as land structures like bridges or navigation markers.

• If you happen to be towing aerial equipment, you need to maintain a distance of at least 200 metres from any other structure.

Maritime and Safety Training

In order to give yourself the peace-of-mind that only comes with knowing you and your loved ones are safe on the water this summer, consider a maritime training course from Maritime and Safety Training. Whether you're interested in brushing up on basic safety checks or need to obtain relevant licensing for your planned activities, Maritime and Safety Training has you covered. Contact us today for more information.

What Are The Rules For Water-Skiing And Do I Need A Boat Licence? was last modified: March 22nd, 2019 by mst2017