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Boating Safety Education
Who Must Take The Course?
Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.
Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including a PWC, only if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if:
They complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or…
They are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
Parents, guardians, or designees born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a person 10 to 17 years old who is operating a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp.
No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat, including personal watercraft (PWC). Age 10 years and less than 12 years of age may only operate under a parent or guardian's direct control.
How To Take The Course
Instructor-led Classes
The traditional, and preferred, method of Illinois boating safety is completed with an Illinois Volunteer Safety Instructor. The traditional class is at minimum 8 hours of in-person instruction and demonstration. Students are required to pass a written exam to complete the course. The traditional Illinois Boating Safety Course is free; students will only encounter a cost if there is extra activity provided that the student may choose to participate in..
The curriculum and materials used in the Illinois Boating Safety Education Course are designed for students at a sixth-grade reading level. During a traditional in-person course students can expect to participate in the following and more:
- boating safety
- equipment and requirements
- navigation
- motorboat
- registration and titling
- emergency measures
- Illinois boating laws and regulations
The program is primarily designed to train young people aged twelve (12) and older. Students under the age of eleven (11) may participate in the class but cannot take the exam to receive certification until they are eleven (11) years old.
Students between the age of eleven (11) and twelve (12) years old will receive their certificate upon their twelfth (12th) birthday.
Individuals may participate in any scheduled class throughout Illinois. Persons twelve (12) and over, passing the course by completing the minimum eight (8) hours of instruction, passing the written exam, and displaying the necessary skills to boat independently will receive an Illinois Boating Safety Certificate. To find a traditional in-person course check our website for Class Schedules.
Valid Illinois Safety Certificates are also issued at in person program provided by:
Online Self-Study Course
This option is provided by authorized outside providers that do charge for the online course and certification. At the end of the course the student will still be required to pass an exam. Student certification will be mailed by the course provider.
Illinois Online Boating Safety Authorized Providers:
www.BoaterExam.com/USA/Illinois ($34.95) or www.Boat-Ed.com/Illinois ($44.95) or www.ilearntoboat.com ($59.95)
Illinois Online Boating Safety Authorized Provider (Español):
www.Boat-Ed.com/Illinois ($44.95)