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| This FAQ is taken from the Parasail Safety Council (PSC) website http://www.parasail.org/index.htm . I would encourage you to visit this site for more information. My comments are just what I think because it's my web page and my parasailing company. I am not trying to dispute what the PSC is saying in it's answers and I am certainly not trying to contradict the PSC website. My intent is to provide information and resources for the public so you can make an informed decision about parasailing. Q. Is parasailing safe? A. In good weather conditions, utilizing the right equipment operated by an experienced crew. Parasailing can be a safe, fun, Aerial Adventure. My comment; Parasailing falls into the "adventure-sport" group and is similar in nature to other activities in this group like Scuba Diving, Hang Gliding, ATV riding, Water or Snow skiing, and Rock Climbing to name a few, with one big exception. The parasail flier does not have to have any training or experience to participate. It is the captains' responsibility alone to ensure the safety of his passengers by using his or hers' experience and judgment to make sure each flight is as safe as possible. Q. How many accidents have there been? A. The PSC estimates that from 1990 through 2003 (in the USA) there were over 324 accidents, 68 of which resulted in serious bodily injury and 11 deaths in the USA and its territories. Their have been 11 deaths between 2003 and 2007 (These statistics are based on USCG reports, state and local law enforcement, local reporting agencies, individual accident reports, eye witnesses accounts from parasail operators and other sources deemed reliable). My comment; There is no disputing the above statistics and there is no way to candy coat the fact that serious injury or death can occur. The risks associated with parasailing can only be minimized but not eliminated entirely. What isn't said in the PSC answer is how many parasail flights from 1990 through 2003 and from 2003 through 2007 took place. To put it another way, what are the odds of serious injury or death from parasailing? Unfortunately, the "odds" can only be estimated because the number of flights that have taken place during a time frame is unknown. It's like saying that taking a flight on an airplane is safer than driving a car. This statement is based on the number of air passengers and car passengers and the number of accidents that each mode of transportation experiences. I could say a lot about safety and protecting the public from a professionals' point of view but this is not the forum to do that. What I will say here is; If I didn't believe I could provide this service to the public and assure their safety on each and every flight without exception, there would be no parasailing business period! Q. Are different types of equipment safer than others? A. Comparison studies have shown that there is an increased risk utilizing certain types of equipment, but general speaking parasailing with an experienced captain, using well maintained equipment, in good weather conditions is paramount to safety. My comment; The PSC knows what it's talking about on this subject. The PSC web-site has a very good "time line" section on parasailing and the development of some of the equipment used. Equipment and techniques of operation are still developing today with the primary goal of protecting the public. Q. What are the qualifications to purchase a parasail boat? A. None. Anyone can purchase a parasail boat. My comment; Anyone can purchase a parasail boat but not everyone can legally operate a parasail boat in the United States. The key term is legally, first the operator must be a Coast Guard licensed captain to operate a vessel with paying passengers, second is the insurance companies requirements that the operator be trained or experienced and that the equipment used follows proven guidelines, be maintained regularly, and allow for random inspections of the operations. There are more than a few associations and organizations that have developed guidelines over the last 30 plus years to help all parasailing companies conduct operations in the safest manner possible. Please look at the links on this page for more information. Q. Is their a training course to learn how to parasail? A. It is customary for the equipment manufacturer to provide training or in the alternative you could hire on a private basis an experienced Captain as a substitute. Q. What are the know risks and inherent dangers of parasailing? A. The most common accidents occurred during tow line separation from the boat, equipment failure, high speed water and deck landings, canopy rotation, line popping and whiplash. My comment; The term "whiplash" refers to the tow line snapping back if it breaks. This is an injury concern if the tow line stretches a lot while under load. Norris Lake Parasailing uses the advanced Dyneema® SK-75 fiber tow line from Samson Rope Technologies. This line "stretches" very little and has an incredible breaking strength. If your curious, http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm?ind=18&app=14&rope=192&inst=1 Q. What is the safest altitude to parasail? A. There are so many factors involved to arrive at an exact figure. However, as a general observation, the maximum altitude for bays and small lakes is 300' and 800' for large lakes and open ocean. Q. What are the requirements or qualifications to operate a parasail boat? A. To legally take passengers for hire or charge money, you need a Captains license which is available directly from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or through special schools endorsed by the USCG. My comment; The Coast Guard is the only agency that issues a Captains license. There are many schools that offer training and testing but to get a Captain's licence and operate a vessel for hire, you must complete a training course and also qualify through application to the Coast Guard. Q. What are the minimum requirements to obtain a Captains License? A. To obtain a basic license, one must have certain level of boating experience (see list below) and take a written exam. Boating Experience for Inland Lakes, Bays & Sounds * 360 days total boating experience on any type and size of powerboat * 90 of those days must be in the last 3 years. * U.S. Citizenship is not required. * Minimum age is 18. Boating Experience for offshore operations * 360 days total boating experience on any type and size of powerboat * 90 of those days must be in the last 3 years. * 90 days, in any time frame, must be in Near Coastal waters (offshore). * U.S. Citizenship is not required. * Minimum age is 18. My comment; The above "minimum requirements" are what is required to make an application for a Captains license. To actually get a Captains license is much more involved and there are different levels of licenses that depend on the type of marine operation the captain will be operating. I have provided a link to the Coast Guard licensing site on this page but in summary, to get a Captains license the applicant must take an exam as stated above, meet very specific background qualifications, submit an application and documents related to health and character, and present himself or herself to a regional exam center for additional processing. In these days and times, the USCG just doesn't give licenses away to anyone. Q. Does the USCG Captains License qualify me as a parasail operator? A. No. There are currently no licensing requirements, qualifications or industry standards to become a parasail operator. This is one of the dilemmas of the commercial parasailing industry. While operators enjoy their independence, this freedom comes with some risks. My comment; The above answer is true in essence and I am not sure of the dates that this FAQ was written by the PSC. The general public should be aware that it is entirely possibly that someone could buy a parasail chute and start dragging people up in the air without the slightest concern for safety or the law! As the PSC web-site points out, anyone considering going on a parasail ride should ask a few basic questions and look for documentation like a Captains license and insurance certificates to insure the operator is doing everything possible to protect the public safety. There are several commercial parasailing organizations that do publish operational guidelines. The PSC itself, has many operational guidelines that a reputable operator should have no trouble following. The Professional Association of Parasail Operators (PAPO) has a very specific Operating Standards And Guidelines (OSAG) document as well as a specific membership agreement. The Coast Guard does monitor parasailing operations to some degree but they can't single out this type of operation for special licensing. So far you have read a lot about the Coast Guard and their role in licensing commercial captains and protecting the publics safety, but the Coast Guard is not the only agency that mandates public safety. I can't say every State has it's own marine regulatory agency but most states have some sort of laws for any boating activity directed specifically at protecting the public safety and welfare as well as protecting the natural resources that boaters enjoy. In Tennessee, the state agency responsible for enforcing the Tennessee Boating Safety Act is the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Any boat on Tennessee waters that is mechanically propelled and meets other conditions is subject to the boating safety act and TWRA laws. TWRA officers have the legal responsibility to enforce the laws on all state waterways including Norris Lake. TWRA officers do a wonderful job of protecting the public safety and protecting the natural resources we enjoy. Please thank them for their hard work and the job they do any chance you can. Q. Why doesn't the USCG require a special license for parasail operators? A. The jury is still out on this question. In the meantime, the public needs to understand that parasail operators can fly by their own rules and make up new ones as they go along. But generally speaking, the majority of operators are responsible and have enjoyed an above average safety record. My comment; The Coast Guard has many responsibilities as a part of our armed services and homeland security departments. I think it would be unreasonable to expect them to issue a special license for a specific operation like parasailing. I am not against the idea at all and maybe someday there will be a special license required. I do know for certain that the USCG is very much involved with protecting the maritime industry and all aspects of the public safety. The men and women that serve our nation in this role deserve our highest esteem and gratitude on a daily basis. Q. Why do operators use advertising slogans like; A) Our Captains are licensed by the USCG. B) Our equipment is always new and checked daily by our USCG Certified Captains. C) Everything is double checked by our USCG Certified Captain to ensure a safe flight every time. D) Our parasail boats are inspected vessels certified by the USCG. E) We are endorsed by a major hotel. F) We are a member of a maritime association? A. Some slogans can be misleading by given the impression that either the operation, the Captain and/or their equipment are somehow sanctioned by these entities. My comment; Advertising is just advertising and businesses of all types will use any type of language if it improves the bottom line. Some language is intentionally misleading and there used to be a "truth in advertising" law or something like that to protect consumers from false claims. These days it seems like an advertisement can say just about anything as long as it is "clarified" in the fine print. Getting a Coast Guard captains license is not easy and is something to be proud of, using the term truthfully seems very reasonable to me. Q. What is the difference between a USCG inspected vs an un inspected vessel? A. An inspected vessel requires the manufacture to follow specific building specifications and has nothing to do with the operation. The USCG overseas the construction of the boat until completed. In some cases a stability test is performed to determine the number of passengers the vessel can carry. (Note: 90% of all reputable boat manufacturers build boats that would probably meet with USCG specifications). However, there are no USCG requirements for any parasail vessel with regard to the parasailing equipment on board. My comment; This is all true, what I believe to be the real difference between an inspected vessel and an un-inspected vessel is the vessels' intended use. My vessel "Smile High", is an un-inspected vessel built by Commercial Water Sports (CWS). I use this boat and it's equipment because I believe it to be the best made and the safest parasailing equipment on the planet. CWS also has fantastic support for their equipment and are constantly seeking to improve the parasailing industry. FINAL THOUGHTS; I know this is a lot of information to read and I hope it has helped you make a decision about trying parasailing one way or the other. I cannot encourage you enough to investigate the sport more on your own by following the links I have provided and finding information with your own searches. Your safety and enjoyment are my top priorities period and if Norris Lake Parasailing fails to deliver then it will cease operations and go out of business! Parasail Safety Council Professional Association of Parasail Operators (PAPO) note; Norris Lake Parasailing is not a PAPO member at this time. United States Coast Guard (home page) USCG licensing portal USCG, St. Petersburg Sector Parasailing.com The Parasail Blog Commercial Water Sports (CWS), builder of "Smile High" |
The Bertholf is the newest Coast Guard Cutter. What this ship can do is amazing!!!
