Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Who May Operate a Vessel (625 ILCS 45/5-18)

Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft.

Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft, only if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.

Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft, only if:

• They complete a boating safety course and possess a boating safety education card accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or …
• They are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.

Persons 18 years old or older are not subject to operator age restrictions.