The Mississippi River Project offers classroom-style boating safety courses each year through the Illinois Boating Safety Education Program. Individuals living in Illinois as well as any surrounding states can take the course and receive their boaters safety card, which is recognized in all states. Throughout the year, thousands of people operate motorized watercraft on Mississippi River Project waters, many for their first time. Boaters of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to take the course. Each of us has the responsibility to keep this lifetime leisure activity free from tragedy and personal loss to ourselves and our fellow boaters.

Boating Safety Education Course consists of a minimum eight hours of instruction. These courses cover the basics of boating safety, equipment requirements, navigation, motorboat registration and titling, emergency measures and boating laws. Persons 12 and over completing the minimum eight hours of instruction and successfully completing the final examination will receive a State of Illinois Certificate of Competency. Illinois residents born on or after January 1, 1998 are required to complete the course in order to obtain their boating license.

Who Must Take The Course?

On January 1, 1978, Illinois law was passed that persons at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may only operate a motorboat if:

• They have in possession a valid Boating Education Certificate of Competency issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Safety Education Division, or
• They are accompanied on the motorboat and under direct control of a parent of guardian, or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian.