Rounder
Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities Illinois Department of Natural Resources

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs and Skiing

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators have requirements specific to their watercraft.

Requirements for Personal Watercraft (PWCs) (625 ILCS 45/4-1, 625 ILCS 45/4-11, 625 ILCS 45/5-2, 625 ILCS 45/5-18, 625 ILCS 45/5-20)

Family on SeadooEvery person on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD) that is in good and serviceable condition.

If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.

A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.

A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:

    • Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
    • Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
    • Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and avoid collision
Separator
Illinois Department
of Natural Resources
State Information
It's the Law!

Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Printable PDF Version
of Handbook

< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >
 
Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
Email with questions or comments about this web site.
  Copyright © 1998-2008 Boat Ed. All rights reserved.
Review Boat Ed's privacy policy.
 
Rounder