Tubing and other activities are fun and exhilarating activities. Whether you are towing behind a boat or personal water craft towing a tube requires a knowledge as well as attention to safety by the driver and observer and the person(s) being towed.
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Below is a list of rules for towing activities for New South Wales and Queensland.
New South Wales Tube Towing Rules
Person(s) being towed must always wear an Australian Standard Approved Personal Floatation Device. (PFD).
The towing vessel
- Must have a current vessel registration. (Boat, personal water craft and etc.)
- Must have a minimum crew of two in the boat or personal watercraft at all times. The Master (driver) and an observer. (Applies to boat and personal water craft unless towing in surf).
- Must have a Safety Label or PWC Behavior Label.
- Must carry appropriate safety equipment.
The driver
- A PWC Licence is required when operating a PWC.
- Is responsible for the safety of the vessel and towed people and for maintaining the minimum distances off applicable to the boat and the person or people being towed.
- Must not be under the influence of any alcohol or drug.
- Must not tow more than three people at once.
The towed person
- Must wear a personal floatation device
- Must be at least 7 metres behind the boat or personal watercraft
- Must maintain the minimum distances off and, when returning to shore, must do so safely
- Must not be under the influence of any alcohol or drug.
When towing person(s) at speed keep the boat or personal watercraft, towing equipment and person(s) being towed at the minimum distance of:
- 60 metres form people in the water, if that is not possible keep at a safe distance and speed.
- 60 metres from a dive flag, if that is not possible keep at a safe distance and speed.
- 30 metres from any other vessel, land structures, moored or anchored vessels, if that is not possible keep at a safe distance and speed.
In the event of towing aerial equipment (i.e. paraflying) keep the boat or personal watercraft, towing equipment and person(s) being towed at a minimum distance of 200 metres for surrounding vessels, land structures, moored or anchored vessels.
No towing rules
Some restricted area’s may display towing activities to be prohibited. The signage may specifically prohibit using a power vessel that is operated at low speed to generate a large wave/wake for water sport activities. In other areas, some water sport activities may be prohibited because of a hazardous locations or a safe distance cannot be sustained.
Tow rope requirements
The driver of the boat or personal water craft must make sure the tow rope is at least 7 metres behind the vessel at all times. (Exceptions may apply for approved training purposes).
Important Notes
- Must not tow more than three people at once.
- Person(s) must wear a personal floatation device when being towed
Towing is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
More information on New South Wales tube towing rules click here.
Queensland Tube Towing Rules
Person(s) being towed must always wear an Australian Standard Approved Personal Floatation Device. (PFD).
The towing vessel
- Must have a current vessel registration. (Boat, personal water craft and etc.)
- Must have a minimum crew of two in the boat or personal watercraft at all times. The Master (driver) and an observer. (Applies to boat and personal water craft unless towing in surf).
- Must have a Safety Label or PWC Behaviour Label.
- Must carry appropriate safety equipment.
The driver
- A PWC Licence is required when operating a PWC.
- Is responsible for the safety of the vessel and towed people and for maintaining the minimum distances off applicable to the boat and the person or people being towed.
- Must not be under the influence of any alcohol or drug.
The towed person
- Must wear a personal floatation device
- Must be at least 7 metres behind the boat or personal watercraft
- Must maintain the minimum distances off and, when returning to shore, must do so safely
- Must not be under the influence of any alcohol or drug.
When towing person(s) at speed keep the boat or personal watercraft, towing equipment and person(s) being towed at the minimum distance of:
- 60 metres form people in the water, if that is not possible keep at a safe distance and speed.
- 60 metres from a dive flag, if that is not possible keep at a safe distance and speed.
- 60 metres from any other vessel, land structures, moored or anchored vessels, if that is not possible keep at a safe distance and speed.
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No towing rules
Some restricted area’s may display towing activities to be prohibited. The signage may specifically prohibit using a power vessel that is operated at low speed to generate a large wave/wake for water sport activities. In other areas, some water sport activities may be prohibited because of a hazardous locations or a safe distance cannot be sustained.
