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• The character of each HIN must be at least one-quarter inch high and located to the
starboard outboard side of the transom within 2 inches of the top of the transom,
gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
• If a motorboat has no HIN and is newer than a 1972, a new one must be obtained
from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before a title and
registration can be issued. Applications for HIN are available from the DMV or
county treasurer.
• Any person who operates a motorboat that requires a certificate of title without
having that title is guilty of a Class III misdemeanor.
• Any person who operates a motorboat that requires a HIN without that number is
guilty of a Class III misdemeanor.
EQUIPMENT
Fire Extinguisher – A fire extinguisher is required on:
• any inboard or inboard/outboard vessel
• any outboard vessel with closed compartments, closed living spaces or permanently
installed fuel tanks
• any airboat
NOTE: Fire extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in
length that are made of open construction and do not carry passengers for hire.
Fire extinguishers must be carried according to the following guidelines:
• Classes 1 and 2 – one U.S. Coast Guard- approved type B- I fire extinguisher
• Class 3 – two U.S. Coast Guard- approved B -I or one B- II fire extinguisher
• Class 4 – three U.S. Coast Guard- approved B- I or one B- I and one B- II fire
extinguishers
Oars/Paddles – Every vessel, except personal watercraft, sailboards or similar devices
and classes 3 or 4 motorboats, shall carry an oar or paddle.
Bailing Bucket – Every vessel, except personal watercraft, sailboards or similar
devices, shall be equipped with a bailing bucket, efficient bilge pump or sponge.
Muffler – Exhaust of all internal combustion engines used on motorboats shall be
effectively muffled. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorboat that exceeds a noise
level of 96 decibels when measured at 100 feet when the motorboat is on plane.
Enjoy Boating the Safe Way
Take a Safe Boating Course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadron.
1-800-395-2628 / cgaux.org or usps.org
