IL SB1478

Beginning January 1, 2015, persons born on or after January 1, 1990 must possess a valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources to operate a watercraft.

Children under 10 years old are prohibited from operating a watercraft; children ages 10-12 may operate only under direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian, or designated adult (age 18+) who meets boating safety requirements; children ages 12-18 must either have a Boating Safety Certificate or be under direct supervision of a qualified adult.

Before January 1, 2015, existing rules allowing children ages 10-18 to operate with supervision remain in effect; children ages 12-18 may also operate with a Boating Safety Certificate.

The Department of Natural Resources shall establish an 8-hour boating safety instruction program with certified instructors; fees may not exceed $5 per student and are used to support safety and accident reporting programs.

Violations include: failure to present a certificate (petty offense); providing false information or forging a certificate (Class A misdemeanor); and permitting unauthorized use of a certificate (Class A misdemeanor); watercraft owners cannot permit operation by uncertified persons.