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)
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.