Illinois Boating Safety: Rules, Required Items & more...
Each state has laws specific to boating, and boaters should get familiar with those laws and requirements prior to hitting the water. This post outlays the Illinois requirements for general boating, and provides links to additional information. Knowledge and preparation will make Lake Michigan boating safer and ultimately more fun!
Below is a breakdown of Illinois’ rules and regulations:
Age requirements: While you do not need a license to operate a boat in Illinois, children under 10 are never allowed to operate a boat/PWC. Children between 10-12 years old can operate a boat/PWC over 10HP if they have completed a boat safety course, or if they are under the direct supervision of a parent/guardian or person over 18 designated by a guardian.
Boat registration: Boat owners in Illinois need to register their boat and display their valid registration numbers and decal. Similar to their vehicle, boat registration should be kept on the boat at all times. You can use this link to start the registration process online through the Department of Natural Resources.
Required equipment for Illinois boaters:
Personal floatation devices: (PFD/life jacket) are required for all passengers, and all passengers under 13 years old are required to wear a PFD at all times while the boat is underway. Boats over 16 feet long are also required to have a throwable PFD. Each PFD must be USCG-approved, in good serviceable condition, accessible at a moments notice, and should be proper size for intended wearer. It’s always best to have each passenger try on the PFD, and have it readily available throughout the cruise.
Fire extinguishers: all internal combustion engine operated boats need at least one working USCG-approved fire extinguisher on board. If the boat has a cabin, or additional berths having multiple extinguishers available is recommended.
Backfire Flame Arrestors: if your boat is carbureted the engine needs to have a backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor. Most modern engines are electronically fuel injected, but those that are not need to adhere to the USCG rules.
Ventilation system: needs to be in proper working order, and needs to have at least two ventilation ducts. Owners should run their engine blower for several minutes prior to running their engines. Proper ventilation will highly reduce potential for an explosion.
Engine cut-off switch: needs to be functional, if a lanyard type switch it needs to be attached to the operator, and wireless cut-off devices must be activated when underway. These cut-off switches protect passengers if the operator becomes incapacitated by stopping the engine immediately.
Sound producing device: all vessels on Lake Michigan need a USCG-approved device that is capable of producing a blast two+ seconds and audible from at least a half mile away. It can be either a mouth – whistle, hand – air horn, or motor-powered device – the boat horn. Sirens, however, are not allowed unless on emergency or law enforcement vessels.
Visual distress signals: USCG-approved distress signals like flags for daytime use, and flares or bright lights for night time cruises must be on board at all times.
Navigation lights: are required and must be displayed at all times between sunset and sunrise as well as times when visibility is restricted or compromised. The red (port) and green (starboard) and an all-round white lights need be visible from a minimal distance of one mile or two depending on the size of the boat when it’s dark. It’s always good to check all navigation, courtesy, and docking lights prior to cruising. I would also recommend on having spare bulbs and fuses on board.
Avoid careless and reckless boat operation. Excessive speeding, dangerous maneuvering, overloading passengers, or disregard for posted rules like “No Wake Zone” can result in prosecution. Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be extremely dangerous. For all of Illinois’ rules and regulations, along with additional information on proper navigational procedures can be found here.
Boaters can avoid unnecessary stops by the US Coast Guard by getting a Vessel Safety Check performed by a volunteer vessel inspector, which is a free service. To schedule a check, or to review the USCG requirements click here. The inspector will check the following: life jackets/PFDs, registration + numbering, navigation lights, ventilation system, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and battery cover + connections. If your vessel meets the requirements, you will receive documentation and a sticker to display showing compliance. However, if requirements are not met, you will receive a written notice outlining the defective areas that need attention. Having a check performed every year is helpful and will avoid random USCG stops on the water.