ASTM F3099-23

Standard Practices for Parasailing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The purpose of this standard is to establish procedures for water based parasailing activities.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides guidelines and procedures for the operation, maintenance, and inspection of parasail vessels, equipment, and associated activities including crew training and flying patrons aloft in a parasail.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F24 - Amusement Rides and Devices
• Drafting Committee: F24.65 - Parasailing

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2993-13 - Standard Guide for Monitoring Weather Conditions for Safe Parasail Operation (Withdrawn 2015)
• Effective Date: 09-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM F770-18 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM F770-17e1 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F770-17 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F770-15 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM F770-14 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM F770-13 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2013
• Refers: ASTM F770-11 - Standard Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM F770-06a - Standard Practice for Ownership and Operation of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2006
• Refers: ASTM F770-06 - Standard Practice for Ownership and Operation of Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2006
• Refers: ASTM F770-05 - Standard Practice for Operation Procedures for Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2000
• Refers: ASTM F770-93(2000) - Standard Practice for Operation Procedures for Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-2000

Overview

ASTM F3099-23: Standard Practices for Parasailing provides comprehensive guidelines and procedures for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and inspection of water-based parasailing activities. Developed by ASTM International, this standard establishes best practices for parasail vessel operators, crewmember training, equipment requirements, patron safety, and weather monitoring. The standard is designed to enhance both the safety and reliability of parasailing operations, supporting regulatory compliance and promoting consistent high-quality experiences for patrons.

Key Topics

• Operation and Maintenance: Detailed protocols are laid out for the operation, day-to-day maintenance, and periodic inspection of parasail vessels and equipment, including towlines, canopies, and harnesses. This ensures that all equipment is fit for use and maintained to manufacturer specifications.
• Weather Monitoring: The standard mandates the use of weather monitoring devices on board, with strict guidelines for weather logs and operational limits under adverse conditions such as high winds, thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.
• Crew Training and Certification: Crew competency is emphasized through training programs that cover vessel operations, emergency procedures, equipment handling, and patron management. Requirements include minimum flight rotations under supervision and mandatory first aid/CPR certifications.
• Safety Protocols: Emergency procedures, life jacket use, patron briefings, and clear policies on allowable conditions for parasail flights and patron transfers are required to safeguard both crew and participants.
• Patron Transfer Procedures: Guidelines for safe shuttle and transfer operations between land and parasail vessels address crew roles, patron briefing, and transfer in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
• Record Keeping: The standard insists on thorough documentation of maintenance, inspections, weather conditions, staff training, flight rotations, and emergency drills, ensuring accountability and reference in case of inspection or incident.

Applications

The practices detailed in ASTM F3099-23 are applicable to:

• Commercial Parasail Operators: Ensure safe, efficient, and standardized operations for all parasailing offerings.
• Equipment Manufacturers: Align product design and maintenance recommendations to support compliance with industry standards.
• Training Providers: Structure crewmember training programs, ensuring that personnel meet required proficiency and safety levels.
• Regulators and Inspectors: Utilize the standard as a compliance benchmark for licensing, operation approvals, and incident investigations.
• Patrons and Tourists: Benefit from enhanced safety and reliable experiences, with clear communication of their responsibilities and expectations.

The standard is especially relevant for businesses operating in coastal, intercoastal, and inland water bodies where parasailing is a popular recreational activity.

Related Standards

Several referenced documents and regulations support and supplement ASTM F3099-23:

• ASTM F770: Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices.
• 46 CFR Part 16: Federal regulations regarding chemical testing for crew.
• 46 CFR Part 175.400: Definitions and vessel requirements issued by the USCG.

These related standards provide broader context for safety and regulatory compliance in both amusement and water-based activities, forming an interconnected framework for operators and authorities.

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Keywords: parasailing standard, ASTM F3099-23, parasail vessel safety, crew training, parasailing operations, weather monitoring, equipment inspection, patron transfer, amusement ride standards, USCG compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3099 − 23
Standard Practices for
Parasailing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3099; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Weather Monitoring and Limits
1.1 This practice provides guidelines and procedures for the 4.1 Vessels used for parasailing operations shall be
operation, maintenance, and inspection of parasail vessels,
equipped with a weather monitoring device.
equipment, and associated activities including crew training
4.1.1 It is acceptable for the device to be fixed or portable,
and flying patrons aloft in a parasail.
provided it is accessible by the vessel Master at the vessel’s
operating console.
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
4.1.2 The device shall be electronic with a visual display.
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
4.1.3 In restricted locations such as manmade lakes, it is
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
acceptable for the weather monitoring device, under 4.1, to be
information only and are not considered standard.
located within the immediate proximity of the operating area
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
provided it is continually monitored by a company employee
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
available to provide updated weather information to the vessel
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Master via radio or cellular phone. The location of the wind
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
measuring device shall be selected to best represent conditions
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
for the parasailing operation.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.3.1 A VHF radio, alone, is not acceptable for weather
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
monitoring.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 The vessel Master shall check and remain cognizant of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical current and forecasted weather conditions for the area of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
operation and account for the weather conditions for the
duration of the parasail set (the “onboard” group of patrons on
2. Referenced Documents
a parasail vessel).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.2.1 The vessel master shall visually monitor the wind
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and
speed, wind direction, and sea conditions during parasailing
Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
operations.
2.2 Federal Regulations:
4.3 Weather Log—The vessel Master shall maintain a
46 CFR Part 16 Chemical Testing
weather log.
46 CFR Part 175.400 Definition of Terms
4.3.1 Log entries shall include: wind direction, wind speed,
3. Significance and Use
wave height, and sky conditions. A sample weather log is
provided as enclosure (see Appendix X1).
3.1 The purpose of this standard is to establish procedures
for water based parasailing activities.
NOTE 1—It is acceptable for a weather log to be in any format with the
weather information recorded manually or electronically.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement
4.3.2 A legend shall be provided for any coded or abbrevi-
Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.65 on
ated log entries.
Parasailing.
4.3.3 Log entries shall be recorded directly by the vessel
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as F3099 – 22a. DOI:
Master or may be relayed to another crewmember aboard or
10.1520/F3099-23.
company employee ashore for permanent recording.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.3.4 Weather conditions shall be recorded by the vessel
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Master at the start of the day and prior to each parasail set.
the ASTM website.
4.3.5 Weather logs and the recorded data shall be retained
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
for a minimum of 1 year on board the vessel or on the premises
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. of the place of business.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3099 − 23
4.3.6 The weather log shall be made available for inspection 5.1.2 Vessels used for parasail operations shall be specifi-
by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) when requested. cally built for parasail operation.
5.1.3 Parasail equipment shall be operated, stowed, in-
4.4 Weather Limits:
spected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
4.4.1 Parasail operations shall not be conducted when the
recommendations. Equipment found in substandard condition
current observed weather conditions in the area of operation
shall be removed from the vessel for repair or destruction.
include:
5.1.4 Parasail towlines shall be braided with a minimum
4.4.1.1 Sustained wind speed greater than 20 mph (9 m/s)
rated tensile strength of not less than 6000 lb (27 000 N).
measured from the vessel in the intended flight zone using a
5.1.5 Parasail towlines shall not exceed the maximum
commercially available wind speed gauge (anemometer).
length recommended by the towline, winch, or parasail equip-
4.4.1.2 Ground visibility due to rain or heavy fog less than
ment manufacturers or 1200 ft (365 m), whichever is shorter.
0.5 miles (0.80 km).
5.1.6 Parasail towlines shall be replaced annually or when
4.4.1.3 Thunder Storm detected by weather device within 7
showing signs of excessive wear such as diameter changes,
miles (11.3 km).
broken filaments, abrasion, sun exposure damage (fading),
4.4.1.4 Wind gust with a differential greater than 15 mph
signs of overlooking (appears to be fuzzy), guide equipment
(6.7 m/s) of the current sustained wind.
etc. Do not use if evidence of excessive wear, deterioration or
4.4.1.5 Wind gust exceeding 25 mph (11 m/s) from the
damage is observed.
vessel in the intended flight zone.
4.4.1.6 Operating less than 500 ft (152 m) from the base of 5.2 Equipment—The following equipment shall be available
any cloud. onboard the vessel:
4.4.1.7 Rain observed in the intended flight zone for more 5.2.1 Weather monitoring equipment in accordance with
than 5 min. 4.1,
4.4.2 Parasail operations, suspended as a result of weather 5.2.2 Primary anchor,
conditions exceeding the parameters enumerated in 4.4.1 or 5.2.3 Secondary anchor or equivalent device to augment the
4.4.3, shall remain suspended for a minimum of 30 min and primary anchor,
will not resume until weather conditions are checked and 5.2.4 Hydraulic parasail winch,
recorded in the weather log. 5.2.5 Hydraulic parasail winch brake,
4.4.3 It is acceptable for regions affected by prevailing trade 5.2.6 Level-wind system or equivalent device to ensure
winds to operate exempt from 4.4.1.1 and 4.4.1.5 provided that
even pay out and take up of towlines of greater than 300 ft (91
4.4.3.1 and 4.4.3.2 are met: m) in length,
4.4.3.1 The sustained wind direction is offshore for the
5.2.7 Parasail deflating/arresting device,
Parasail operation, and 5.2.8 Boat hook with a minimum reach of 10 ft (3 m),
4.4.3.2 The parasail equipment in use is sufficiently rated by 5.2.9 Knife capable of cutting towline,
the manufacturer for the wind conditions measured from the 5.2.10 Parasail including canopy, harness,
vessel in the intended flight zone using a commercially
5.2.11 A United States Coast Guard approved Type III
available wind speed gauge (anemometer). lifejacket, or equivalent approved life jacket by authority
4.4.4 Sea Conditions: having jurisdiction (AHJ), sized for all patrons going aloft,
4.4.4.1 Parasail operations in lakes, intercostal areas, and 5.2.12 A first aid kit that complies with USCG or local
rivers shall not be conducted when the wave height exceeds 3 authority requirements, and
ft (0.9 m). 5.2.13 A marine VHF radio as required by the AHJ.
4.4.4.2 Parasail operations offshore and in open waters shall
5.3 Maintenance and Inspection:
not be conducted when wave heights exceed 4 ft (1.2 m) unless
5.3.1 Maintenance:
the period and wave height are within the following formula: 3
5.3.1.1 The vessel owner shall implement written mainte-
s period for each 1 ft (0.3 m) of wave height (for example, 15
nance and inspection procedures for the vessel and the parasail
s period = 5 ft (1.5 m) wave height).
equipment including but not limited to: vessel propulsion &
4.4.4.3 In no case shall parasail operations be conducted in
auxiliary machinery, communications, navigation, firefighting
weather conditions that exceed the manufacturer’s specified
equipment, lifesaving equipment, structural integrity of the hull
limitations for the equipment in use.
and load path affected by parasail operations, and all associated
4.4.5 The vessel Master shall be responsible for assessing
equipment used for parasailing (that is, parasails, harnesses,
local weather conditions and determining if the weather
towlines, etc.).
conditions are within acceptable limits.
5.3.1.2 Maintenance of the winch system shall be done in
accordance with the manufacturers guidelines.
5. Equipment
5.3.1.3 Inspections and maintenance activities shall be re-
5.1 Materials and Manufacture: corded in a maintenance log (see 5.3.4).
5.1.1 All parasail equipment in use, including but not 5.3.2 Pre-Flight Inspections—The parasail harness
limited to parasail canopies, parasail harness, or passenger webbing/stitching, passenger bar, canopy, shroud lines, yoke,
bars, shall be properly designed for parasail operation. The and towline shall be visually, and to the extent possible,
equipment shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s physically inspected by a qualified crewmember, as described
recommendations and limits. in Section 8, prior to each day’s parasail activities.
F3099 − 23
5.3.2.1 Inspect the harness per the manufacturer’s require- 6.1.4 Vessel Master shall confirm that weather conditions
ments. are within the limits specified in 4.4.
5.3.2.2 Inspect the passenger bar connections and structure,
6.2 Flight Operations:
the webbing, and the padding and cover per the manufacturer’s
6.2.1 Parasail operations shall be limited to flight not
requirements.
exceeding 500 ft above ground level.
5.3.2.3 Inspect the parasail canopy, line connections, shroud
6.2.2 For offshore wind conditions, maintain a minimum
lines, and the yoke/riser connection to the tow lines per the
1000 ft distance from shore.
manufacturer’s requirements.
6.2.3 For onshore wind conditions, maintain:
5.3.2.4 Inspect the towline for characteristics outlined in
6.2.3.1 1000 ft distance from shore for wind speed of 0 to 5
5.1.6.
mph.
5.3.2.5 Any equipment that doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s
6.2.3.2 1000 ft + 1 times the towline length from shore for
requirements after inspection shall be removed from service
wind speed of 6 to 10 mph.
immediately.
6.2.3.3 1000 ft + 2 times the towline length from shore for
5.3.3 Periodic Inspection:
wind speed of 11 to 15 mph.
5.3.3.1 Parasail harness, passenger bars, and canopies shall
6.2.3.4 1000 ft + 3 times the towline length from shore for
be sent to the manufacturer every year to be overhauled and
wind speed 16 to 20 mph.
inspected. The manufacturer shall provide a letter or certifica-
6.2.4 For enclosed waters (lakes, bays, sounds, etc.), the
tion of the equipments’ inspection and endorsement for subse-
vessel Master shall operate so as to maximize the distance of
quent use. This maintenance shall be recorded in a mainte-
the parasail to the surrounding shoreline given the prevailing
nance log (see 5.3.4).
weather conditions such that the riders will experience a water
5.3.3.2 It is acceptable for a qualified vessel crewmember,
landing should they experience a towline separation.
as trained in accordance with 7.2, to conduct periodic inspec-
6.2.5 Dipping—If part of the flight involves dipping the
tions as specified in 5.3.3.1, in lieu of the manufacturer
passengers in the water, the following shall apply:
inspection. The periodic inspection shall be documented and
6.2.5.1 The vessel owner shall establish written procedures
recorded as specified in 5.3.4.
for dipping passengers. These procedures shall address vessel
5.3.3.3 Annual (or as required by the manufacturer, which-
speed, controlling rate of descent, controlling level of passen-
ever is more frequent) inspection and documentation for
ger immersion in the water, and maximum duration of immer-
subsequent use of winch, winch cooling system, winch brake,
sion.
level-wind system, parasail deflating/arresting device, shall be
6.2.5.2 Passengers shall not be more than 150 ft from the
recorded in a maintenance log (see 5.3.4).
vessel when being dipped.
5.3.4 Record Keeping:
6.2.5.3 The vessel owner shall establish training require-
5.3.4.1 The vessel owner shall maintain a log or otherwise
ments for dipping passengers and ensure this training has been
record
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3099 − 22a F3099 − 23
Standard Practices for
Parasailing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3099; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice provides guidelines and procedures for the operation, maintenance, and inspection of parasail vessels, equipment,
and associated activities including crew training and flying patrons aloft in a parasail.
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
2.2 Federal Regulations:
46 CFR Part 16 Chemical Testing
46 CFR Part 175.400 Definition of Terms
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The purpose of this standard is to establish procedures for water based parasailing activities.
4. Weather Monitoring and Limits
4.1 Vessels used for parasailing operations shall be equipped with a weather monitoring device.
4.1.1 It is acceptable for the device to be fixed or portable, provided it is accessible by the vessel Master at the vessel’s operating
console.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.65 on Parasailing.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022July 1, 2023. Published February 2023August 2023. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as
F3099 – 22.F3099 – 22a. DOI: 10.1520/F3099-22A.10.1520/F3099-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3099 − 23
4.1.2 The device shall be electronic with a visual display.
4.1.3 In restricted locations such as manmade lakes, it is acceptable for the weather monitoring device, under 4.1, to be located
within the immediate proximity of the operating area provided it is continually monitored by a company employee available to
provide updated weather information to the vessel Master via radio or cellular phone. The location of the wind measuring device
shall be selected to best represent conditions for the parasailing operation.
4.1.3.1 A VHF radio, alone, is not acceptable for weather monitoring.
4.2 The vessel Master shall check and remain cognizant of current and forecasted weather conditions for the area of operation and
account for the weather conditions for the duration of the parasail set (the “onboard” group of patrons on a parasail vessel).
4.2.1 The vessel master shall visually monitor the wind speed, wind direction, and sea conditions during parasailing operations.
4.3 Weather Log—The vessel Master shall maintain a weather log.
4.3.1 Log entries shall include: wind direction, wind speed, wave height, and sky conditions. A sample weather log is provided
as enclosure (see Appendix X1).
NOTE 1—It is acceptable for a weather log to be in any format with the weather information recorded manually or electronically.
4.3.2 A legend shall be provided for any coded or abbreviated log entries.
4.3.3 Log entries shall be recorded directly by the vessel Master or may be relayed to another crewmember aboard or company
employee ashore for permanent recording.
4.3.4 Weather conditions shall be recorded by the vessel Master at the start of the day and prior to each parasail set.
4.3.5 Weather logs and the recorded data shall be retained for a minimum of 1 year on board the vessel or on the premises of the
place of business.
4.3.6 The weather log shall be made available for inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) when requested.
4.4 Weather Limits:
4.4.1 Parasail operations shall not be conducted when the current observed weather conditions in the area of operation include:
4.4.1.1 Sustained wind speed greater than 20 mph (9 m/s) measured from the vessel in the intended flight zone using a
commercially available wind speed gauge (anemometer).
4.4.1.2 Ground visibility due to rain or heavy fog less than 0.5 miles (0.80 km).
4.4.1.3 Thunder Storm detected by weather device within 7 miles (11.3 km).
4.4.1.4 Wind gust with a differential greater than 15 mph (6.7 m/s) of the current sustained wind.
4.4.1.5 Wind gust exceeding 25 mph (11 m/s) from the vessel in the intended flight zone.
4.4.1.6 Operating less than 500 ft (152 m) from the base of any cloud.
4.4.1.7 Rain observed in the intended flight zone for more than 5 min.
4.4.2 Parasail operations, suspended as a result of weather conditions exceeding the parameters enumerated in 4.4.1 or 4.4.3, shall
remain suspended for a minimum of 30 min and will not resume until weather conditions are checked and recorded in the weather
log.
F3099 − 23
4.4.3 It is acceptable for regions affected by prevailing Trade Windstrade winds to operate exempt from 4.4.1.1 and 4.4.1.5
provided that:that 4.4.3.1 and 4.4.3.2 are met:
4.4.3.1 The sustained wind direction is offshore for the Parasail operation, and
4.4.3.2 The parasail equipment in use is sufficiently rated by the manufacturer for the wind conditions.conditions measured from
the vessel in the intended flight zone using a commercially available wind speed gauge (anemometer).
4.4.4 Sea Conditions:
4.4.4.1 Parasail operations in lakes, intercostal areas, and rivers shall not be conducted when the wave height exceeds 3 ft (0.9
m).
4.4.4.2 Parasail operations offshore and in open waters shall not be conducted when wave heights exceed 4 ft (1.2 m) unless the
period and wave height are within the following formula: 3 s period for each 1 ft (0.3 m) of wave height (for example, 15 s period
= 5 ft (1.5 m) wave height).
4.4.4.3 In no case shall parasail operations be conducted in weather conditions that exceed the manufacturer’s specified limitations
for the equipment in use.
4.4.5 The vessel Master shall be responsible for assessing local weather conditions and determining if the weather conditions are
within acceptable limits.
5. Equipment
5.1 Materials and Manufacture:
5.1.1 All parasail equipment in use, including but not limited to parasail canopies, parasail harness, or passenger bars, shall be
properly designed for parasail operation. The equipment shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and
limits.
5.1.2 Vessels used for parasail operations shall be specifically built for parasail operation.
5.1.3 Parasail equipment shall be operated, stowed, inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommen-
dations. Equipment found in substandard condition shall be removed from the vessel for repair or destruction.
5.1.4 Parasail towlines shall be braided with a minimum rated tensile strength of not less than 6000 lb (27 000 N).
5.1.5 Parasail towlines shall not exceed the maximum length recommended by the towline, winch, or parasail equipment
manufacturers or 1200 ft (365 m), whichever is shorter.
5.1.6 Parasail towlines shall be replaced annually or when showing signs of excessive wear such as diameter changes, broken
filaments, abrasion, sun exposure damage (fading), signs of overlooking (appears to be fuzzy), guide equipment etc. Do not use
if evidence of excessive wear, deterioration or damage is observed.
5.2 Equipment—The following equipment shall be available onboard the vessel:
5.2.1 Weather monitoring equipment in accordance with 4.1,
5.2.2 Primary anchor,
5.2.3 Secondary anchor or equivalent device to augment the primary anchor,
5.2.4 Hydraulic parasail winch,
5.2.5 Hydraulic parasail winch brake,
F3099 − 23
5.2.6 Level-wind system or equivalent device to ensure even pay out and take up of towlines of greater than 300 ft (91 m) in
length,
5.2.7 Parasail deflating/arresting device,
5.2.8 Boat hook with a minimum reach of 10 ft (3 m),
5.2.9 Knife capable of cutting towline,
5.2.10 Parasail including canopy, harness,
5.2.11 A United States Coast Guard approved Type III lifejacket, or equivalent approved life jacket by authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ), sized for all patrons going aloft,
5.2.12 A first aid kit that complies with USCG or local authority requirements, and
5.2.13 A marine VHF radio as required by the AHJ.
5.3 Maintenance and Inspection:
5.3.1 Maintenance:
5.3.1.1 The vessel owner shall implement written maintenance and inspection procedures for the vessel and the parasail equipment
including but not limited to: vessel propulsion & auxiliary machinery, communications, navigation, firefighting equipment,
lifesaving equipment, structural integrity of the hull and load path affected by parasail operations, and all associated equipment
used for parasailing (that is, parasails, harnesses, towlines, etc.).
5.3.1.2 Maintenance of the winch system shall be done in accordance with the manufacturers guidelines.
5.3.1.3 Inspections and maintenance activities shall be recorded in a maintenance log (see 5.3.4).
5.3.2 Pre-Flight Inspections—The parasail harness webbing/stitching, passenger bar, canopy, shroud lines, yoke, and towline shall
be visually, and to the extent possible, physically inspected by a qualified crewmember, as described in Section 8, prior to each
day’s parasail activities.
5.3.2.1 Inspect the harness per the manufacturer’s requirements.
5.3.2.2 Inspect the passenger bar connections and structure, the webbing, and the padding and cover per the manufacturer’s
requirements.
5.3.2.3 Inspect the parasail canopy, line connections, shroud lines, and the yoke/riser connection to the tow lines per the
manufacturer’s requirements.
5.3.2.4 Inspect the towline for characteristics outlined in 5.1.6.
5.3.2.5 Any equipment that doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s requirements after inspection shall be removed from service
immediately.
5.3.3 Periodic Inspection:
5.3.3.1 Parasail harness, passenger bars, and canopies shall be sent to the manufacturer every year to be overhauled and inspected.
The manufacturer shall provide a letter or certification of the equipments’ inspection and endorsement for subsequent use. This
maintenance shall be recorded in a maintenance log (see 5.3.4).
5.3.3.2 It is acceptable for a qualified vessel crewmember, as trained in accordance with 7.2, to conduct periodic inspections as
specified in 5.3.3.1, in lieu of the manufacturer inspection. The periodic inspection shall be documented and recorded as specified
in 5.3.4.
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5.3.3.3 Annual (or as required by the manufacturer, whichever is more frequent) inspection and documentation for subsequent use
of winch, winch cooling system, winch brake, level-wind system, parasail deflating/arresting device, shall be recorded in a
maintenance log (see 5.3.4).
5.3.4 Record Keeping:
5.3.4.1 The vessel owner shall maintain a log or otherwise record all maintenance and inspections performed on the vessel and
its equipment.
5.3.4.2 Record keeping shall include the date the maintenance/inspection was performed and the name of the qualified individual
or company who performed maintenance/inspection.
5.3.4.3 Recorded data shall be retained for a minimum of 3 years on board the vessel or on the premises of the place of business.
It is recommended that records be maintained for the life of the equipment which would exceed 3 years (for example, parasail
vessel, winches, and larger equipment).
5.3.4.4 The maintenance records shall be made available for inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) when
requested.
6. Operations
6.1 Pre-Flight Operations:
6.1.1 Crewmembers shall ensure passengers are properly fitted with a lifejacket prior to flight.
6.1.2 Crewmembers shall ensure passengers are within the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum load capacity for the parasail
equipment in use.
6.1.3 Crewmembers shall ensure passengers are properly fitted into the parasail harness. Harness waist strap shall be placed around
the passenger’s waist, not the lifejacket.
6.1.4 Vessel Master shall confirm that weather conditions are within the limits specified in 4.4.
6.2 Flight Operations:
6.2.1 Parasail operations shall be limited to flight not exceeding 500 ft above ground level.
6.2.2 For offshore wind conditions, maintain a mi
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