Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel

Watercraft operators towing a person on water skis, a surfboard, or any other device have additional laws.

• All persons being towed behind a watercraft on water skis, surfboards, or any other device must wear a PFD, which cannot be of inflatable design.
  Exception: Performers engaged in exhibitions or tournaments authorized by the MDIFW do not need to comply with this requirement. Please review Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife rules for trick water-skiing exemptions.
• Every watercraft towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or any other device must have on board, in addition to the watercraft operator, a responsible person at least 12 years of age in a position to observe the towed person(s) continuously.
  Exception: Watercraft operating within a regulation slalom course and that are equipped with rear-view wide-angle mirrors are exempt from this requirement.
• A person may not operate a watercraft if its capacity would be exceeded by the persons in the watercraft plus the persons being towed. If towing a person with a PWC, the PWC should be rated to carry at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the person being towed.