Parasailing Crew / Winch Operator

Primary qualification

• For helming the boat commercially: the professional title or endorsement the local maritime authority requires for the operation (a PER covers recreational use only — verify the local regime).
• Parasail-system operator training (manufacturer or operator) with supervised winch hours.
• Valid aquatic lifesaving and first aid with CPR; activity authorisation by the maritime authority and mandatory liability insurance.

Basic STCW

• A-VI/1 Basic Safety Training (if vessel in commercial traffic)

Specific courses

• Daily harness, karabiner, bar and towline inspection (logged)
• The system's wind-and-sea limits; reading gusts and wind shadows
• Passenger water recovery and man-overboard with canopy
• SRC/VHF for base and local-traffic coordination

Indicative experience

Indicative: a season as helper/second crew before running the winch alone; local rules usually require a second crew member aboard during flights (verify).

Observations

An activity governed by each harbour master's instructions (zones, heights, distances to bathers): the exact framework varies by province — verify before operating. Progression: monitor → activity skipper → watersports-base manager.

Typical watches

• Shifts according to weather conditions and reservations

Key responsibilities

• Operate the hydraulic winch that releases and collects the parachute line.
• Check the wind strength with an anemometer before each flight (typical operational limit: 15-20 knots).
• Check the condition of the harnesses, tow rope and parachute canopy before each use.
• Instruct the client on body position during takeoff, flight and landing.
• Make the decision to cancel the activity if weather conditions require it.

Operational scope

• Parasailing boat in designated maritime area
• Flight area up to 150 m high