---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 3.12"
title: "36"
number: "3.12"
heading: "May I use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/3.12"
---

# §3.12. May I use a vessel to tow a person for water skiing or other similar activities?

- (a) The towing of a person by a vessel is allowed only in designated waters, and in accordance with conditions established by the superintendent under §§ [1.5](/cfr/36/1.5.md) and [1.7](/cfr/36/1.7.md) of this chapter.
- (b) Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider or other airborne device may be allowed only in accordance with a permit issued by the superintendent under [§ 1.6](/cfr/36/1.6.md) of this chapter.
- (c) Where towing is designated, the following conditions apply:
  - (1) **Towing is allowed only between the hours of sunrise and sunset.**
  - (2) In addition to the boat operator, a person at least 12 years of age must be present to observe the action of the person being towed.
  - (3) A person being towed must wear a United States Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
  - (4) A person being towed may not commit any act in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person or damage property.
  - (5) Operating a vessel that does not have the capacity to carry the person(s) being towed in addition to the operator and observer is prohibited.
  - (6) No person shall operate a power driven vessel using a tow rope 20 feet or less in length when towing a person.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102.

### Source

Source: 72 FR 13702, Mar. 23, 2007, unless otherwise noted.