OutdoorNebraska

27 Chapter 4 ■ Unlawful Operation Nebraska law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal: ◆ Negligent or Reckless Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water-skis, a surfboard or similar device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person. Examples of negligent or reckless operation are: • Jumping a wake with a motorized vessel within 50 yards of another vessel • Jumping the wake of any vessel that is towing a skier, tuber, wakeboarder, etc. • Operating a vessel within any area marked off or set aside as a prohibited area • Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic • Steering toward another object or person in the water and swerving at the last possible moment in order to avoid collision • Chasing, harassing or disturbing wildlife with your vessel ◆ Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed and/or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to: • Operate a vessel at a distance from other vessels or at a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given the waterway traffic, marked speed limits, weather and other boating conditions • Exceed the speeds posted or charted in any specific zone or area • Exceed speeds of 5 mph ( "slow, no wake speed") within 30 yards of any vessel, harbor, marina, landing pier, fishing pier, anchorage, or bathing beach ◆ Riding on Bow or Gunwales is allowing passengers to ride on the bow decking, gunwales, or any other position where there is a danger of falling overboard. ◆ Overloading is defined as operating a vessel that has been loaded beyond the recommended capacity shown on the capacity plate installed by the vessel manufacturer. At least one half of a vessel's total depth, measured at the center of the vessel, must remain above water. ◆ Unsafe Condition is placing or leaving in public waters any vessel that is not safe to operate. Law enforcement officers may instruct the operator to take immediate corrective action or return to mooring if any of the following "unsafe conditions" exist: • The vessel is overloaded • There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, ventilation or navigation lights • The vessel is leaking fuel or has fuel in the bilges ◆ Operating on Wildlife Refuge Areas is operating a motorboat from October 15 through January 15 on any the following state wildlife refuges: • Garden County Refuge, North Platte River • Lincoln County Refuge, North Platte River • Dodge-Saunders County Refuge, Platte River • Boyd-Holt County Refuge, Niobrara River • Lake Babcock, Platte County, closed to all vessels during the open waterfowl season No Swimming Areas Swimming or bathing is forbidden in any marinas or within 20 yards of launching, mooring, or docking areas. "slow, no wake speed" A speed at which the vessel does not produce an excessive wake, not to exceed 5 miles per hour overboard Over the side or out of the vessel gunwale Upper edge of vessel's side (generally pronounced "gunnel") REMEMBER … As an owner of a vessel, you are responsible for any injury or damage caused by the reckless or negligent operation of others you allow to use your vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your vessel and equipment free of charge. This examination covers federal and state requirements. If your vessel meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal. If your vessel fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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