Illinois Boating
Safety Course

Get your official Illinois Boater Education Certificate with a convenient, affordable course.

Recademics.com is an official delegated provider of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Official Course Approved By the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

This course has been designed as a provider, created in collaboration with, and approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the Illinois Boater Education Card.

Who Needs This Course?

It’s the law in Illinois! In Illinois, if you were born on or after January 1, 1998, and plan to operate a boat, you must complete a boater safety course.

You must be at least 9 years old to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Illinois to take this online course.

Helpful Resources

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Get on the water with our fast and affordable online course. Officially approved by IL DNR and the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), this Illinois boating course ensures you master essential boating safety skills and know local Illinois boating laws. Upon completion, you will receive your Boater Education Card (commonly referred to as the Illinois Boating License).

How It Works

Register

5 Minutes

Complete the Course & Pass the Test

3 Hours

Download Your Instant Certification

1 Minute

Go Boating!

Instantly

Recademics made getting my boating certification easy and fast. Officially the best course out there!

Becca M.

Engaging course with top-notch material. Highly recommend for certification!

Kelli T.

Officially amazed by Recademics! Easy to understand material and quick certification process.

Erin W.

Fast course, got my certification in no time. Recademics is the best!

Lacey R.

Loved Recademics! Easy to navigate and the fastest way to get certified.

Sara K.

Recademics is the real deal. Official certification made easy and quick.

Jared H.

Best boating course out there. Recademics offers thorough and understandable content.

Stephen B.

Great experience! The certification process was smooth and efficient.

Jose R.

Quick and easy certification with Recademics. Definitely the best course I've taken.

Erin R.

Recademics made it so easy to get certified fast. Great quality content!

Dennis B.

Fast, easy, and official. Recademics is the best boater education course by far!

Kelly W.

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Illinois-Approved

Video

Interactive

Customer Support

Price

$ 44

Yes
Some
No
Mostly Self-Service

$ 39

Yes
Some
No
Yes

$ 54

Yes
No
Yes
Mostly Self-Service

What Is In The Illinois Boating Course?

Boating Terminology

Define and demonstrate knowledge of common nautical terms across all types of boating including vessel, port, starboard, bow, stern, stand-on, and give-way.

Boat Types and Characteristics

Understand various boat types and their limitations, calculate a boat’s capacity with or without a capacity plate, and explain proper loading techniques and gear securing on a boat.

Required Equipment

The essential equipment for safe boating, including flotation devices, required lights, sound signals and visual distress signals

Trip Planning and Preparation

Master thorough boat trip planning and safety, including regulations, weather, readiness, hazard recognition, float plans, maintenance, and decision-making.

Safe Boat Operation

Master safe boat operation, covering responsibilities, accident reporting, basic seamanship, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

Navigation

Learn navigation rules and responsibilities, understand homeland security measures, identify navigation aids, and recognize marker types and purposes.

Boating Emergencies

Learn emergency response, including assisting distressed individuals or boats, post-incident procedures, handling environmental stressors, storm response, carrying emergency devices, and effective communication with vessels and emergency hailing.

Illinois Boating Laws and Regulations

Learn Illinois boating laws, focusing on rules, registration, and safety. This knowledge is essential for responsible and enjoyable boating while preserving Illinois waterways.

Recademics Course Features

Instant
Certification

Finish the course and get your certification immediately, so you can start boating right away.

Affordable &
Aboveboard

Don't break the bank for boater education. Our course is budget-friendly, ensuring you can spend more money on the fun stuff, boating!

Safety with a
Splash of Fun

This course is filled with interactive learning challenges, real life examples, and engaging videos that'll have you hooked from the first click.

Live
Support

Enjoy peace of mind with live customer support. We don’t expect you’ll need it, but in the rare case you do, we’ll be here to answer your call.

Boating in Illinois

Illinois offers a variety of boating experiences with its numerous lakes, rivers, and access to Lake Michigan. Popular destinations include the Illinois River, Lake Springfield, and the Chain O’Lakes, where boaters can enjoy fishing, sailing, and water sports. The state’s diverse waterways provide opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. To ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water, Illinois requires boaters to complete a safety course and obtain a license, promoting responsible boating throughout the state.

Illinois Boating Course FAQs

What is the Illinois boater safety course?

A Illinois IL DNR-approved boater safety course is designed to teach the fundamentals of safe boating. It covers navigation rules, federal and Illinois boating laws, safety equipment, and responsible boating practices. The course aims to reduce boating incidents on Illinois waterways.

Who needs to take the Illinois boating course?

In Illinois, if you were born on or after January 1, 1998, and plan to operate a boat, you must complete a boater safety course. Regardless of Illinois law, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources encourages all boaters get the Boater Education Card to stay familiar with Illinois laws and regulations.

Is the Boater Education Card good in all states?

All states and Canada recognize the Illinois Boater Education Card received from courses that are NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved. This is known as Reciprocity.

How Long is the Illinois online boating course?

The Illinois boating course typically takes 3 hours if taken online. The online format allows Illinois users to complete it at their own pace, starting and stopping as needed. Set aside a weekend for Illinois Department of Natural Resources sanctioned in-person courses.

What is the cost of the course?

The cost can vary depending on the course you choose. Most IL DNR-approved courses are $35 – $60. The Recademics course for Illinois is $39.95 and has a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you get your money back.

Can I take the Illinois boater safety course online?

Yes, most states offer the option to take the boater safety course online, providing a convenient way to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

Is there an exam at the end of the boater safety course?

Yes, to receive a Illinois Boater Education Card, you must pass a final exam at the end of the course. The passing score is typically 80%.

How do I get my Illinois boating certificate after completing the course?

After completing the course and passing the final exam, you will receive your Illinois Boater Education Card by email, download, or mail, depending on the IL DNR’s process.

Recademics offers instant certification, allowing you to download a digital certificate.

Does the boater safety certificate expire?

The Illinois Boater Education Card does not expire and is valid for life.

Can I retake the boater safety course if I fail the exam?

Yes, most course providers in Illinois allow you to retake the exam if you do not pass on your first attempt. Recademics has a pass guarantee. You can retake the Illinois boating exam and course for free if you fail the first time or get your money back.

What if I lose my boater safety certificate?

If you lose your Illinois Boater Education Card, you should contact the provider that issued your certificate or the state in which you were certified. There may be a process and fee for issuing a replacement.

Illinois BoatingSafety Course