Final answer:
The correct answer is the right side of the vessel. This is crucial for boating safety and ensures the boat operator can maintain a clear view of the skier at all times while following navigational protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
When picking up a skier, you should always keep him or her in view and on the right side of the vessel. This practice is tied to boating safety and navigational protocols. The right side of a boat is traditionally referred to as the 'starboard' side. Keeping the skier on the starboard side can help prevent accidents and ensure the boat operator has a clear view of the skier at all times.
In boating terminology, the left side is known as 'port', while the rear is the 'stern', and the front is the 'bow'. Having the skier on the port side can obscure the view due to the positioning of the driver, which is why it's important for the safety of the skier that they remain within sight on the starboard side. Additionally, maintaining the skier on this side helps facilitate smoother turns and assists the driver with better judgment of distance and space when ensuring the skier's safety during pick-up.