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7. Towing Activity

Towing Activity

Waterskiing and other towing activities

The rules governing waterskiing include other towing activities such as barefoot skiing, tubing, kneeboarding and parasailing. The Small Vessel Regulations require a spotter to be onboard, as well as the following:

• There must be a seat available for each person being towed in case recovery is necessary.
• Only personal watercraft designed to carry three or more people can be used for towing waterskiers.
• Towing activities are not allowed in the period from one hour after sunset to sunrise.
• The towing vessel cannot be remotely controlled.

Towing

Tugs may be towing barges or other vessels on a long tow-line astern. Often, the length of the tow is so great the tow-line hangs below the surface of the water and is nearly invisible. If a small craft were to strike the submerged tow-line, it could capsize and be run down by the barge.

Never pass between a tug and its tow and be alert for special lights displayed by vessels towing barges, other vessels or objects. The towing vessel is usually more visible than its tow. The tow’s navigation lights do not include masthead lights and are often much dimmer than those of the towing vessel.

In the case of a power-driven vessel towing another vessel from its stern, the towing vessel must exhibit the following:

• Sidelights and sternlight
• Towing light (yellow light with the same characteristics as the sternlight)
• Two masthead lights in a vertical line – three of these lights if the tow exceeds 200 m (656’)
• A diamond shape where it can best be seen, if the tow exceeds 200 m (656’) – day signal

In the case of a vessel being towed, it must exhibit the following:

• Sidelights and sternlight
• A diamond shape where it can best be seen, if the tow exceeds 200 m (656’)
• If impractical for the vessel being towed to comply with the lights stated above, it must carry one all-around white light at fore and aft

Date modified:

2010-01-14

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