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Boating Safety Education
Requirements
Boating safety education requirements vary by operator age. View boat operation laws and requirements by age below.
Motorboat Operation by Age
No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat, including personal watercraft (625 ILCS 45/5-18).
Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft, only if the person is under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, 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 motorboat with more than 10 horsepower (625 ILCS 45/5-18).
Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft, only if:
- They possess a valid boating safety certificate accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or…
- They are under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, 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 motorboat with more than 10 horsepower (625 ILCS 45/5-18).
Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft, only if they have a valid boating safety certificate accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (625 ILCS 45/5-18).
Persons born prior to January 1, 1998, are not required to have a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower in Illinois.
All boat operators are encouraged to take a boating safety course to become familiar with safe boat operation and laws. If you intend to operate a boat in another state, check that state's boating safety certification requirements.
Course Options
Illinois offers instructor-led and online boating safety education courses. Learn more about your course options and register by course type below.
COURSE INFORMATION
Instructor-led boating safety courses are taught in-person with certified volunteer boating safety instructors. Students will learn the boating safety education curriculum through lectures, demonstrations, group discussions and practical exercises. Most courses include a visit from an Illinois Conservation Police Officer to discuss Illinois boating regulations. Students passing the 60-question multiple choice test (80% passing score) and displaying the necessary maturity to boat independently will receive an Illinois boating safety certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
8-plus hours, typically taught over 1 day (varies by instructor). Students must attend the entire course to be eligible for certification.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Students must be at least 11 years old to complete the test for certification. 11 year olds that pass the course will receive their certificate in the mail upon their 12th birthday month. The course curriculum and test are written at a 6th-grade reading level.
COST
Free
REGISTRATION
Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Click "Register Now" to view and register for a "Boating" class.
COURSE INFORMATION
Students 11 years old and older may complete an approved online boating safety education course and earn boating safety certification entirely online. The online course requires students to complete online units, quizzes, and a test. Upon successful completion of the online course and test, the student will receive an Illinois boating safety certificate.
COURSE LENGTH
The online course length varies by student and course type but is typically completed in 4-6 hours at the students pace (progress is saved so it can be completed over multiple days).
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Students 11 years or older who successfully complete an approved online boating safety education course receive Illinois boating safety certification entirely online.
COST
The online course fee varies by course ($34.95-$59.95).
REGISTRATION
Students may register and complete an approved online boating safety education course at any time (see approved courses below).
Approved Online Boating Safety Courses
COURSE INFORMATION
America's Boating Course is a boating safety course offered by the United States Power Squadrons that is recognized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
COURSE INFORMATION
Boat America is a boating safety course offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary that is recognized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Boating Safety Certificates
Boating safety certificates are valid for life. Those required by law to have a boating safety certificate must present their boating safety certification card to law enforcement upon request. Electronic display of a boating safety certification card is accepted by Illinois Conservation Police Officers.
If your Illinois boating safety certification card was lost or destroyed, you can search for your record and replace it online below.
Reciprocity
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recognizes boating safety certificates issued by another state, a province of Canada, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the United States Power Squadrons.
Additional Resources
Contact your regional Volunteer Services Coordinator if you have questions about boating safety education or if you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer instructor.