OutdoorNebraska

BoatSafeNebraska.org | 13 • operate or be a passenger on a personal watercraft without wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, regardless of age. • jump a wake with a motorized vessel within 50 yards of another craft. • jump the wake of any boat that is towing a skier, tuber, wakeboarder, etc. • for any boat operator, including personal watercraft, under 16 years of age to tow a skier, tuber, wakeboarder, etc. BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE It is unlawful to operate a motorboat with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or greater. Doing so constitutes Boating Under the Influence (BUI), which carries a penalty of up to $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail and the loss of boating privileges for six months. Refusal to submit to a chemical blood alcohol test will result in the same penalties as BUI. RENTALS Owners of motorboats for rent shall keep a record of the name and address of persons renting vessels. The record, including boat identification number, departure date and time and expected time of return, shall be preserved for at least six months. Rental motorboats shall include all equipment prescribed by law for that class of boat. It shall be unlawful for any motorboat livery to lease to anyone 17 years old or younger. SANITATION Every vessel with an installed toilet must have an operable U.S. Coast Guard certified marine sanitation device (MSD) Type I, II or III. Also: • If equipped with a "Y" valve, the valve must be secured by a padlock, nonreleasable wire tie or removal of the handle, so the valve can't be used accidentally or intentionally without the owner/operator's knowledge. • No waste or container of such waste shall be placed, left or discharged into or near any waters of this state. WATER SKIING Observer – All vessels, when pulling a person on skis, surfboards or similar devices and not equipped with a wide -angle rear view mirror, must have a responsible person age 12 or older as an observer in the vessel with the operator. Lifesaving Devices – A person being towed on skis, surfboards or similar devices must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket that is in good condition. The exception is during state-authorized regattas and similar ski and water shows. Lines – All lines, when not in use, must be stowed aboard the towing vessel. Skiing Hours – It is unlawful to tow or assist a person on water skis, aquaplane or similar device from the period of one-half hour after sunset to one- half hour before sunrise unless in duly authorized competition. OTHER INFORMATION

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