SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-not-obligated-to-tow

Another boater asks you to tow their broken-down boat. What does NASBLA say?

You're not obligated to tow; help by calling the Coast Guard or a tow service.

Start playing free

  1. You must tow them if your boat is larger
  2. You're not obligated to tow; you can call for help ✔
  3. You must tow them if you have enough fuel

Why: NASBLA says you're not obligated to tow another vessel. Help as you can without endangering your crew or boat, for example by calling the Coast Guard or a professional towing service. Towing needs training and the right gear.

Huh, didn't know that: This is different from the legal duty to help a person in danger of being lost at sea.

The dad joke
Why did the tow boat get invited everywhere? It always pulled its weight.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: You're not obligated to tow; you can call for help. NASBLA says you're not obligated to tow another vessel. Help as you can without endangering your crew or boat, for example by calling the Coast Guard or a professional towing service. Towing needs training and the right gear.

  1. NASBLA ESP TR 103-2022 Basic Boating Knowledge, Core Plus Power higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASBLA/76594a34-f3a1-4916-95ac-1e9c872170cc/UploadedImages/education/national-education-standards/ESP_TR_ESP_103_Core_Plus_Power_2022_06_01FINAL.pdf
    Although it is customary among boaters to offer what assistance you can, you are not obligated to tow another vessel.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterWhen towing a water skier or tuber, what does NASBLA say you should always have?Boating & WaterYou see another boat in distress. What does federal law require of you?Boating & WaterBefore towing a boat, what should the tow vehicle be matched to?

That's stuff everyone should know.