Operator Age and Education Requirements
Persons successfully completing a boating safety course will be issued a card by the Illinois DNR.
The following are requirements for vessel operators on Illinois waters.
- Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the DNR.
- Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC).
- Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including a PWC, only if they are accompanied by and are 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 with more than 10 hp, including a PWC, only if:
- They complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the DNR 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.
- Parents, guardians, or designees born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a person 10 to 17 years old who is operating a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp.
