Hello boater! Effective July 17, 2009, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat Illinois online course—the official boating safety course of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways

Collisions can be prevented easily if every vessel operator fulfills these three major responsibilities: 1) Practice good seamanship. 2) Keep a proper lookout. 3) Maintain a safe speed.

There are also rules that every operator must follow when encountering other vessels. If operating a power-driven vessel or a sailing vessel, you must give way to any vessel not under command, any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, or a vessel engaged in commercial fishing. A power-driven vessel must also give way to a sailing vessel unless it is overtaking. All operators should navigate with extreme caution if visibility is restricted.