Waterskiing, Wakeboarding
and Towing Canoes and Kayaks Sailboarding/Kitesurfing Personal Watercraft
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Water skiing, Wakeboarding and Towing

The towing vessel

  • Must have current registration.
  • Must have a minimum crew of two – the master (driver) and an observer (also applies to PWC when towing unless tow-in surfing).
  • Must have a safety label (or PWC behaviour label).
  • Must carry appropriate safety equipment.
  • Tow rope must be at least 7m in length.

The driver

  • Must hold a General Licence if the vessel will be operated at 10 knots or more, or PWC Licence when operating a PWC at any speed.
  • Is responsible for the safety of the vessel and towed people and for maintaining the minimum distances off applicable to the boat and the skier(s).
  • Must not be under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
  • No more than three persons can be towed at once.

The observer

  • Must be 16 years of age or older, or the holder of a Young Adult Licence.
  • Must not suffer hearing, sight, or other disabilities which could affect the performance of observation duties and must not be under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
  • Has the prime responsibility of observing the towed people and reporting all matters affecting them to the master.
  • Tells the driver about other vessels approaching from behind.
  • Should be familiar with the standard hand signals.

NOTE: When towing the observer must face backwards to watch the person being towed whilst the driver faces forward to maintain lookout.

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wear itThe towed person

  • Must wear a lifejacket (see lifejackets).
  • Must maintain the minimum distances off and, when returning to shore, must do so safely.
  • Must not be under the influence of alcohol or a drug.

Distances off

When towing at any speed keep both the vessel and the towed person at least:

  • 30 metres from power-driven vessels not towing skiers, moored vessels, the shore, and structures (including jetties, bridges, moorings and navigation markers) or, if that is not possible, a safe distance.
  • 60 metres from persons (e.g. fallen skiers and aquaplaners, swimmers) and non-powered vessels (sailing and passive) or, if that is not possible, a safe distance.
  • If towing aerial equipment (e.g. paraflying) keep both the vessel, towed person and equipment at least:
    • 300 metres from any bridge, cable, wire, pipeline or structure.

NOTE: These distances apply when approaching other vessels or persons from any direction including when following another vessel.

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No towing areas

In some areas water-skiing and wakeboarding etc may be prohibited and signs may be displayed. In other areas, water-skiing may not be possible because of the location of hazards or a safe distance cannot be maintained.

Towing prohibited

  • Towing is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
  • ‘Teak’ surfing (being pulled through the water while holding the swim platform of a vessel) is prohibited at all times.
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