Safety Equipment For Illinois Boaters: What You Need

Boating safety is a critical issue in Illinois, with regulations in place to protect boaters, swimmers, anglers, and anyone else enjoying the state's natural resources. Before operating a boat, it is essential to ensure that all required safety equipment is on board and in good working order. This includes personal flotation devices, ignition safety switches, fire extinguishers, ventilation systems, mufflers, horns, whistles, visual distress signals, navigation lights, and more. These safety measures are crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of everyone on Illinois's waters.

Life jackets/personal flotation devices (PFDs)

Life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs), are crucial safety equipment for boating in Illinois. Here are the essential things to know about PFDs when boating in the state:

Types of PFDs

The U.S. Coast Guard has approved various types of PFDs, and Illinois law specifies which types are required for different boating contexts. The types include:

• Type I, II, and III PFDs: These are wearable PFDs designed to keep a person's head and mouth above water, either by turning an unconscious person face-up (Type I) or keeping a conscious person vertical or slightly backward (Types II and III).
• Type IV PFDs: These are throwable devices, such as cushions and life ring buoys, required for boats longer than 15 feet and 11 inches.
• Type V PFDs: These are inflatable life jackets approved for restricted use. They must be worn and can only substitute Type I, II, or III PFDs when used for the activity specified on the label. Type V PFDs are not suitable for children or personal watercraft (PWC) riders.

Requirements for PFDs in Illinois

Illinois has specific requirements for PFDs, ensuring the safety of boaters:

• One for Each Passenger: Illinois law mandates that there must be at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD on board for each person on the boat. This includes Type I, II, or III PFDs.
• Throwable PFDs: For boats 16 feet or longer, Illinois requires at least one Type IV PFD, which can be thrown to someone in the water in an emergency.
• PWC Requirements: Anyone riding a PWC in Illinois must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD.
• Age-Specific Requirements: All boaters or passengers under 13 years of age must wear a PFD while on the deck or in the cockpit of a vessel that is less than 26 feet in length. This rule does not apply if the child is below deck in an enclosed cabin or if the boat is operated on private property.
• Size and Accessibility: PFDs must be of the appropriate size for the wearer and readily accessible. They should be in good condition, with legible USCG approval labels.

Best Practices for PFD Usage

While adhering to the legal requirements is essential, it is also important to follow best practices for PFD usage to maximize safety:

• Recommended Usage: PFDs should always be worn by children of all ages, everyone on the boat during rough weather or heavy water traffic, anyone who cannot swim, and anyone boating alone.
• Safety First: It is crucial to prioritize safety over fashion or convenience. PFDs should be worn whenever there is a potential risk, even if not legally required.
• Fit and Comfort: Ensure that your PFD fits properly and is comfortable. A well-fitting PFD will keep your head and mouth above water, allowing you to breathe and call for help.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your PFDs for any rips or damage. Ill-maintained PFDs may not function properly in an emergency and are not considered approved for use.

In conclusion, life jackets and PFDs are vital safety equipment for boating in Illinois. By understanding the different types, legal requirements, and best practices, you can ensure that you and your passengers stay safe while enjoying the state's waterways. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to PFD usage.

Fire extinguishers

If you have a personal watercraft (PWC) or a boat less than 26 feet long, you are required to carry a Type B-1 fire extinguisher on board. This is a mandatory item, and you should ensure it is easily accessible and in good working order.

For boats over 25 feet 11 inches in length, the requirements differ. While the specific type of fire extinguisher is not specified, it is essential to have the appropriate size and number of fire extinguishers for your vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadron offer free safety checks for recreational boats, ensuring all required safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, are present and functional.

Additionally, it is worth noting that fire extinguishers are not the only safety equipment mandated by Illinois law. Personal flotation devices (PFDs), ignition safety switches, ventilation systems, horns or whistles, visual distress signals, and navigation lights are also required, depending on the type and size of your boat.

Navigation lights

• Powered vessels under 22 feet 1 inch in length are required to have navigation lights if their horsepower is greater than 15. This requirement ensures that smaller vessels with higher horsepower, which can achieve greater speeds, are properly equipped for safe operation.
• Non-powered vessels, such as sailboats or boats without motors, are subject to different regulations. Navigation lights are mandated for these vessels if their length exceeds 22 feet. This rule takes into account the fact that larger non-powered vessels may pose a hazard to other boats, especially in low-visibility conditions.
• The operational times for navigation lights are clearly defined. Boat operators are required to use these lights from sunset to sunrise, ensuring visibility during the hours of darkness. Additionally, navigation lights must be used during periods of reduced visibility, such as in foggy or overcast conditions, regardless of the time of day.
• The visibility of navigation lights is crucial. They must be visible for up to 1 mile, depending on the size of your boat. This requirement ensures that nearby vessels can spot your boat and maintain a safe distance or take evasive action if necessary.
• In addition to navigation lights, Illinois requires visual distress signals to be carried on board. For boats over 26 feet 11 inches in length, pyrotechnic devices and an orange flag are mandatory during the daytime. At night, flares, meteors, and electric lights are required as visual distress signals. These requirements provide a means of communication and signalling in case of an emergency.
• It is important to note that the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadron offer free boat safety checks for recreational boats. They will verify that all the required safety equipment, including navigation lights, are present and in proper working condition. Boat operators can take advantage of this service to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards.

Registration certificates/cards

In Illinois, all vessels must have a valid Certificate of Registration and expiration decals to operate on public waters. The certificate must be kept on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the boat or personal watercraft (PWC) is being operated. The registration is valid for three years and expires on June 15 of the third year.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for regulating the state's boating laws and enforcing registration requirements. The DNR's Office of Law Enforcement issues certificates of registration, which indicate the number that must be displayed on the bow of the vessel.

Boat owners must keep their registration information up to date, including reporting any change of address within 15 days and notifying the DNR within 15 days if their boat is destroyed or transferred to a new owner. If a registration certificate or decal is lost or destroyed, a duplicate must be requested from the DNR.

There are some exceptions to the boat registration requirements in Illinois. These include:

• Vessels with a valid marine document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, except those used in Illinois waters for more than 60 days in a year.
• Vessels registered in another state and operated in Illinois for no more than 60 consecutive days.
• Non-powered watercraft operated on water located entirely on land belonging to the owner of the watercraft.
• Vessels operated on private lakes.
• Vessels owned by the federal government.
• Non-profit organisation-owned canoes or kayaks.
• Vessels from another country temporarily using Illinois waters.
• Vessels used exclusively as lifeboats.
• Watercraft competing in races approved by the DNR.

While canoes, kayaks, and federally documented vessels without a mechanical means of propulsion are exempt from displaying the registration number, they must still display the registration decal.

Visual distress signals

Types of Visual Distress Signals:

Requirements for Visual Distress Signals in Illinois:

The requirements for visual distress signals in Illinois depend on the type of boat and the body of water it is operating on. Here are the key points to note:

• All vessels operating on coastal waters, including the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and connected waterways up to two miles wide, are required to carry visual distress signals.
• Boats owned in the United States and operating on international waters must also carry visual distress signals.
• During the daytime (from sunrise to sunset), the following boats are exempt from carrying visual distress signals:
• Recreational boats less than 16 feet in length.
• Boats participating in organised events such as races, regattas, or marine parades.
• Open sailboats less than 26 feet in length without an engine.
• Manually propelled boats like canoes.
• The above-mentioned boats are only required to carry visual distress signals approved for nighttime use when operating at night.
• For recreational boats less than 16 feet operating in coastal waters, only night signalling devices are required if used after dark. All other boats must carry both night and day signalling devices.

Best Practices for Visual Distress Signals:

• It is recommended to carry a combination of signalling devices, such as pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic options, to suit different conditions and purposes.
• Pyrotechnic devices have an expiration date of 42 months from the date of manufacture. Ensure you have at least three unexpired flares to meet the legal requirements.
• Store your visual distress signals in a watertight container, clearly labelled and kept in a safe, accessible location.
• When using pyrotechnic devices, exercise caution and only employ them when you are reasonably sure that someone is in a position to see your signal and take action.
• Visual distress signals are intended for emergencies only. Using them unnecessarily can result in serious penalties.

Frequently asked questions