Illinois Boating Laws and Regulations

Persons age 10-11 may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 hp only if they are under the direct on‐board supervision of a person over 18 who has an Boating Safety Certificate.

Persons age 12-17 may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 hp only if they have an Boating Safety Certificate or are under the direct on‐board supervision of a person over 18 who has an Boating Safety Certificate.

Supervising persons born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid Boating Safety Certificate.

Enforcement

Illinois law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Cooperate with them by following the laws and guidelines.

Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.

Penalty: Not carrying your Boater Education Card when one is required can result in a fine.

Reciprocity

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Get Certified Online!

Take this Illinois–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Illinois Boating safety education card

Lifetime Card Get Certified →

unlimited exam attempts

We’re people, not robots.

Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

Boat-ed.com is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Kalkomey is an official state-delegated provider that provides boating education courses and certification and publishing boating safety education materials.

More Online Recreational Safety Courses from Kalkomey

About Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC

Kalkomey is the official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states. We provide online boating and hunting and other recreational safety education. View press releases.

224 W. Campbell Rd. #512
Richardson, TX 75080