Equipment Requirements

Fire Extinguisher: Inboard/Outboard; Inboard or any motorboat which has closed compartments, closed living spaces or permanently installed fuel tanks; Class 1 and 2: One (1) U.S. Coast Guard approved type B-l fire extinguisher; Class 3, two (2) U.S. Coast Guard approved B-l or one (1 ) B-ll fire extinguisher; Class 4, three (3) U.S. Coast Guard approved B-l or two (2) B-ll fire extinguisher; All airboats must carry the number of fire extinguishers according to their class. None required for outboard motorboats under 26 feet in length of open construction and not carrying passengers for hire.

Oars: Every vessel, except personal watercraft, sailboards or similar devices, and Class 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 in a reasonable manner.

Whistle/Bell: Every vessel of Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall have an efficient whistle or other mechanical sound-producing device. Every mechanically-powered boat of Classes 3 and 4 shall be equipped with an efficient bell.

Flame Arrestor: Every motorboat with an inboard motor using gasoline fuel shall have the carburetor of every engine equipped with an efficient flame arrestor or similar device. These devices shall meet U.S. Coast Guard approval.

Ventilating: Every motorboat, except those of open construction, using volatile liquid fuel shall have a prescribed venting system for bilges and fuel-tank compartment.

Diver's Flag:

The Divers' Flag must be displayed in Nebraska whenever diving or underwater-powered spear-fishing to give fair warning to boaters of a diver in the area. Boaters must approach this warning with caution. The flag must be mounted on a float or buoy and must be at least 12 inches square, with a red background and white diagonal stripe that is one-fifth the width of the flag. The stripe must run from the top of the hoist to the bottom of the flag. It is unlawful to display this flag when not diving. A diver or underwater spear-fisherman must stay within 150 feet of his flag.

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, 12 years or older, as an observer in the vessel with the operator.

Life Saving Devices: It shall be unlawful for any boat operator to tow or otherwise assist any person on water skis or other device or for any skier to manipulate water skis or similar devices unless the skier is wearing a life preserver, buoyant vest, or ski belt that is in good condition. The only exception is during state-authorized regattas and similar ski and water shows.

All lines, when not in use shall be stowed immediately aboard the towing vessel.

Skiing Hours: It shall be unlawful to tow or otherwise be assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane, or similar device from the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise unless in duly-authorized competition.

Orange Flag

Orange Flag: Whenever a waterskier, surfboarder, or any person engaged in a similar activity or associated equipment, is down in the water the operator or observer of the tow boat must display a hunter orange flag of a size not less than 12 inches square or at least 144 square inches. This flag must be visible 360 degrees.