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.

Summoning Help

In times of serious boating emergencies, the ability to summon help quickly can make the difference between life and death. Carry on board a VHF marine radio, visual distress signals, and a mobile phone. VHF marine radios have channels that are reserved for distress calls and are monitored continuously by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). To issue a MAYDAY call on Channel 16 of your VHF radio.

It is recommended that you have and know how to use visual distress signals. Carry extras. Always respond immediately to other boaters displaying a distress signal.

If you own a mobile phone, include it as part of your standard boating gear. Keep a list of appropriate phone numbers on board.

If you operate far from shore, consider carrying an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).