TOWING

• 30 metres from power- driven vessels (including other PWC) not towing skiers, land and structures (including jetties, bridges, moorings and navigation markers) or, if that is not possible a safe distance.
• 60 metres from persons or non-powered vessels (sailing and passive) or, if that is not possible a safe distance.
• A safe distance from any vessel towing a person.

If towing people using aerial equipment (eg: paraflying) keep the vessel, the people being towed and the aerial equipment a minimum of 300 metres from any bridge, cable, wire, pipeline or structure.

No more than 3 people can be towed at once. Towing may also be prohibited in some areas and signs may be displayed. In other areas, towing may not be possible because of the location of hazards, or if safe distances off cannot be maintained.

PWC riding and towing are prohibited between sunset and sunrise.

Tow-in surfing

Tow-in surfing is a technique where a person operating a PWC tows a surfer onto a breaking wave. In NSW the following conditions apply to tow-in surfing:

• Tow-in surfing is only permitted on open waters at surf breaks only where there are no paddle surfboard riders present.
• Both the operator of the PWC and the surfboard rider must have a current PWC licence, current First Aid certificate, wear an appropriate lifejacket when the activity is being undertaken, and have attended any course or passed any examination required by NSW Maritime.

The operator of the PWC ;

• may not tow more than one person at a time
• Must yield right of way to all other boating or ocean recreation activities.
• must maintain a distance of at least 200 metres from all vessels and people in the water.
• must carry dive fins and a safety knife

The PWC is to be equipped with a:

• Rescue sled
• Second kill switch lanyard wrapped around the handlebars
• Two-way communication device
• Toolkit
• Torch
• Quick release floating tow rope with a minimum length of 7 metres
• Bow tow-line with a minimum length of 7 metres.

Only PWC may be used for tow-in surfing. No observer is required on the PWC provided there is compliance with the above conditions at all times.

Key points for Tow Surfing Safety

Tow surfing is extremely dangerous and has serious risks that come along with it, below are some key points on staying safe on the water.

Use the right equipment

Having the right equipment is vital and the following items are required to be carried while Tow Surfing.

Lifejackets

Characteristics needed for a tow surfing lifejacket

• Lifejacket Type 2 (PWC driver )
• Lifejacket type 2 or 3 for the surfer
• Tight fitting with zip and importantly clips/straps
• Comfortable and enough room to move arms freely

Rescue sled

The biggest advantage of using a Rescue Sled when tow surfing is the speed and ease of a impact zone pick up. This does actually save lives (and PWC's). Another advantage of a rescue sled is the decrease of the risk of sucking up the tow rope through the PWC's intake grate which has proven to be the major factor in past Tow Surfing related incidents. A sled also doubles as a great pack horse for all your boards, when travelling to and from your surf break.

You can get these all over NSW at leading marine dealers.

Two kill switch lanyards

Everyone knows you need a kill switch to operate a PWC. However, do you know the risks associated in damaging your PWC if they aren't used properly?

A two-way communication device

A PWC is a very small craft on a very large ocean and usually difficult to see from any distance. To make things worse most Tow Surfing is done in more remote locations making it difficult to notify anyone is something goes wrong. A two way communication device is an easy way to raise the alarm should something go wrong and is more reliable than a mobile phone. Use a waterproof VHF device and make sure you also use it to log into rescue services such as Marine Rescue NSW

A toolkit

A basic tool kit comes with your PWC when you purchase it and it is suggested that the following be carried as a minimum:

• Waterproof Carry Case
• 2 way-screwdriver
• Spark Plug Socket
• Bolt Socket
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Flush Kit Nozzle
• Spare spark plugs (2)

To assist clearing the intake grate the following tools should be included in the tool kit:

• 7" blade 'filleting' knife
• 12" screwdriver
• 12" needle nose pliers

A torch

Waterproof, floating, easy to operate and bright to attract attention. Cylume (glow sticks) are also suggested as a back up.

A quick release floating tow rope with a minimum length of 7m

A ski rope is fine but check out a tow surfing designed thick floating ski rope. This aids in preventing it being sucked into the intake grate.

A bow tow-line with a minimum length of 7m

Allows PWC to be towed by another watercraft when swamped or not working

Swim fins (on a fin belt)

If you become separated from your PWC swim fins are an essential aid in getting back to safety. With a fin belt your fins are secured at your hips and the belt stays on when you take your fins off as needed.

Mask and Snorkel

Used to clear intake grate if needed.

Hatch and Seat Kits

The hatch and seat strap kits greatly reduce the potential for the front hatch and the seats of your PWC being torn away allowing water into the engine bay and/or sinking your PWC.

Know your PWC and how to look after it

Service your PWC regularly

• Ask your mechanic questions - understand what things are and what they do in case something goes wrong and you need to know how to fix it.
• Set it up for the hard running tow surfing puts it through
• Add water separators to the fuel system and check/empty regularly
• Ensure you pre and post op your PWC every time you use it
• Ensure prop and drive shafts are in good order
• Ensure the water intake is clear or debris such as seaweed, discarded net or rope

Be proficient at rescue operations

Take a course or research rescue techniques. Knowing how to get someone on the PWC quickly is vital to keeping each other safe. When you leave a launching area it is a good chance that it is in a safe area. Practice several rescues each on the way to the break to make sure that you are both aware of the methods.

Know your area

There are several things that you should take into consideration before heading out in serious conditions:

• If a surfer falls where will they end up
• Where is a 'safe zone' for all PWC's and surfers
• Set an approximate line to approach and exit a surf zone
• If your PWC breaks down where can you reach shore safely