Illinois Boating and Personal Watercraft Education Course
Illinois Boating and Personal Watercraft Education Course: The Illinois Boating Education Course consists of a minimum eight hours of instruction. These courses cover the basics of boating safety, equipment and requirements, navigation, motorboat, registration and titling, emergency measures and the Illinois boating laws.
Persons completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency and a graduate patch.
WHO MUST TAKE THE COURSE?
On January 1, 1978, a State law was passed that requires persons at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may only operate a motorboat if:
- *they have in possession a valid Boating Education Certificate of Competency issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Division.
*or they are accompanied on the motorboat and under direct control of a parent of guardian, or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian
WHERE ARE COURSES AVAILABLE?
Many civic organizations, park districts, schools, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, along with other interest groups sponsor classes throughout the state.
WHY TAKE A BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION COURSE?
Throughout the year, many people operate motor-driven watercraft on the Illinois waters and many operate for the first time. So, we encourage people of all ages – both novice and experienced – to take the course. Each of us has the responsibility to keep this lifetime leisure activity free from tragedy and personal loss to ourselves and our fellow boaters. The Illinois Boating Education Course is offered with these objectives in mind.
