Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Fire Extinguishers (625 ILCS 45/4-5)

Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher and the letter indicates the type of fire it will extinguish:

• Type A extinguishers are for fires of combustible solids like wood.
• Type B extinguishers are for fires of flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.
• Type C extinguishers are for electrical fires.

All vessels equipped with an internal combustion engine operating on Illinois’ waters are required to have at least one fire extinguisher on board.

Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved” —followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number.

Use this chart to determine the type and quantity of fire extinguishers required for your vessel.

Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area—not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them.

Fire extinguishers must be maintained in usable condition.

• Extinguishers should be serviced at least every two years. See the label for additional servicing information.
• Inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure the following.
  • Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing.
  • Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range.
  • There is no physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzles.

Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators

Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.

To check this style of extinguisher, depress the green button. If it is fully charged, the green button should pop back out immediately.
On this style of fire extinguisher, the needle indicator should be in the "full" range.

Backfire Flame Arrestors (625 ILCS 45/4-6)

Because vessel engines may backfire, all powerboats (except outboards) fueled with gasoline must have an approved backfire flame control device installed on each carburetor.

Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires. To be acceptable, backfire flame arrestors must be:

• In good and serviceable condition
• U.S. Coast Guard–approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards)

Periodically clean the flame arrestor screen and check for any damage.

Ventilation Systems (625 ILCS 45/4-7)

The importance of ventilation is crucial. The purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions by removing flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a life-threatening explosion.

• All gasoline-powered vessels, constructed in a way that would entrap fumes, must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes. At least one exhaust duct must extend from the open atmosphere to the lower bilge. At least one intake duct must extend from a point at least midway to the bilge or below the level of the carburetor air intake.
• If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes after fueling, before starting your engine.
• If a vessel, such as a personal watercraft, is not equipped with a power ventilation system, open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.

WARNING: Gasoline vapors can explode. Before starting engine, operate blower for four minutes and check (using your nose) engine compartment for gasoline vapors. Vessels built after July 31, 1980, which contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline engine compartments, must have the above warning sticker placed near the instrument panel.

Powerboats are built to ventilate the engine when underway. As the boat moves along, an air intake scoops up fresh air and forces it down the air duct into the engine compartment. The exhaust sucks out the explosive fumes from the lowest part of the engine and fuel compartments.

Boat Battery (625 ILCS 45/4-10)

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a storage battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. The battery must be equipped with nonconductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. Both positive and negative terminals must be covered. The best solution is a covered battery box with a strap.

Mufflers and Noise Level Limits (625 ILCS 45/4-3)

Excessive noise can prevent a vessel operator from hearing signals and voices.

• The exhaust of every internal combustion engine on any vessel must be effectively muffled. That is, the engine’s exhaust must be muffled or suppressed at all times so as not to create excessive noise.
• It is unlawful to operate a vessel that exceeds a noise level of 90 decibels when subjected to a stationary sound level test or 75 decibels when in operation on state waters.

Ignition Safety Switch (625 ILCS 45/4-11)

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft or specialty prop-craft, that is equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch unless the lanyard is attached to the person, clothing or PFD of the operator.

Vessel Safety Checks

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your vessel and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your vessel meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal. If your vessel fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency.