Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
IIllinois Required Equipment Checklist

indicates the equipment is required by state law.

Required Equipment	PWC	Boat Less than 16'	Boat 16 Feet' or Longer
Boating Safety Certificate on Board
Required for operators at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old in order to legally operate a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft, unless under the direct control of parent, guardian or adult designated by the parent or guardian.
Certificate of Number on Board
Expiration Decal Displayed
PFDs: Type I, II, or III (one per person)
Every person on board a PWC must wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times. Children under 13 years old must wear a PFD (life jacket) while underway on vessels less than 26 feet in length unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
PFD: Type IV (one per vessel)	n/a	n/a
Type B Fire Extinguisher(s)
Two Type B-I fire extinguishers or one Type B-II fire extinguisher are required for vessels 26 feet in length or longer.
Backfire Flame Arrestor		Required on gasoline-fueled inboard and stern drives only.	Required on gasoline-fueled inboard and stern drives only.
Ventilation System
Muffler
Horn, Whistle, or Bell		Required on all vessels when operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Michigan). Required only on motorized vessels when operating on state waters.	Required on all vessels when operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Michigan). Required only on motorized vessels when operating on state waters.
Daytime Visual Distress Signals	n/a	n/a	Required only when operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Michigan).
Nighttime Visual Distress Signals	Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs) since these vessels may not be operated at night.	Required only when operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Michigan).	Required only when operating on federally controlled waters (Lake Michigan)..
Navigation Lights	Some items are not applicable to personal watercraft (PWCs) since these vessels may not be operated at night.