Illinois Boating Handbook Table of Contents

• Home Page
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources

It's The Law!

Before Going Out

• Registering and Titling
• Where To Title and Register
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel

Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Ignition Safety Switch
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Ventilation Systems
• Boat Battery
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Visual Distress Signals
• Navigation Lights

On The Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Navigation Rules
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Boating Accidents
• Enforcement
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Sewage and Waste

Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements for Personal Watercarft (PWCs)

Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers

This handbook includes references to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 625–Boat Registration and Safety Act. For example, 625 ILCS 45/5-16 refers to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 625, Act 45, Section 5-16.

For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's boating safety website www.uscgboating.org.