Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel
![Observer with orange flag watching persons being towed](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1622/attachments/original/boat-power-towing-flag.jpg?1505991609)
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.