Copyright © 2023 Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC and its divisions and partners, www.kalkomey.com
OF ILLINOIS BOATING LAWS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Table of Contents
Before Going Out On the Water
Registering and Titling................... 3 Unlawful Operation ..................... 10
Where to Title/Register .................. 3 Navigation Rules .......................... 11
Hull Identification Number (HIN).. 5 Alcohol and Drugs ....................... 12
Who May Operate a Vessel ............ 5 Boating Accidents......................... 12
Enforcement................................. 13
Diver-Down Flags ........................ 13
Discharge of Sewage/Waste .......... 13
Required Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)... 6
Fire Extinguishers ........................... 6
Backfire Flame Arrestors................. 6
Specifically for PWC
Ventilation Systems ........................ 7
Requirements for PWC................ 14
Boat Battery.................................... 7
Specifically for Skiing
Mufflers and Noise Level
Limits........................................ 7
Requirements for
Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)..... 7
Towing Skiers .......................... 15
Sound-Producing Devices .............. 7
Skier-Towing Flag......................... 15
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)....... 7
Navigation Lights ........................... 8
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 at
www.uscgboating.org.
Published by Boat Ed®, a division of Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC, 740 East Campbell Road, Suite 900,
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Copyright © 2005–2023 by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
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references contained in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, and to
represent the best current opinion on the subject. Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC is not responsible or liable
for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects or consequences to any person or property
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. P0623
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Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois. Publication date: 6/07/2023. Number printed: 10,000.
Purchase Order: P-52252.