BoatSafeNebraska.org | 3
Definitions
Vessel – Description of any watercraft, other than a seaplane, used or capable of being
used as a means of transportation on water.
Motorboat – Any vessel propelled by any form of mechanical power, gas, electric or
diesel, including an electric trolling motor.
Personal Watercraft – A class of inboard vessel less than 16 feet in length that uses
an internal combustion engine powering a jet pump as its primary source of propulsion
and is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel.
Sailboard – A surfboard -type vessel with no freeboard and using a free -sail system with
a swivel -mounted mast not secured to a hull by guys or stays.
Paddle Craft – A vessel powered only by its occupants, using a single- or double-
bladed paddle as a lever without the aid of a fulcrum provided by oarlocks, thole pins,
crutches, or similar arrangements.
Operator – The person who operates or has charge of the navigation or use of a
motorboat or vessel.
Starboard – The right side of a vessel.
Port – The left side of a vessel.
Bow – The front of a vessel.
Stern – The rear of a vessel.
Leeward – Downwind.
Wake – The swell, moving waves, track, path, or water pattern astern of a vessel
passing through water.
No Wake Speed – Speed at which a vessel doesn't produce a wake, not to exceed 5
mph.
Requirements
WHO MAY OPERATE A MOTORBOAT?
• Anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska must be at least
14 years of age.
• Any operator born after Dec. 31, 1985, must have successfully completed the
Nebraska boating safety course and be in possession of a valid certificate.
Nonresidents may present certification from their state or another source approved
by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
