Section 515.970  Watercraft Vehicle Specifications and Operation

a)         All watercraft shall meet the requirements of Article IV of the Boat Registration and Safety Act.

b)         All watercraft shall carry equipment including but not limited to the following:

1)         One anchor with line attached that is three times the maximum depth of water in the areas of usual operation;

2)         Two docking fenders;

3)         Two mooring lines;

4)         Self or mechanical bailer;

5)         Search light with a minimum of 200,000 candle power;

6)         Swim harness attached to 75 feet of tethering line;

7)         Waterproof flashlight capable of operating for more than two hours;

8)         Basic tool kit, appropriate to the watercraft;

9)         One life jacket for each member of the watercraft crew and two extra adult life jackets (Type I, II or III);

10)         Two child life jackets (Type I or II);

11)         Any watercraft 16 feet or more in length, except a canoe or kayak, shall have a least one Type IV (throwable) U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) or its equivalent on board, in addition to the PFDs required in subsections (b)(9) and (10);

12)         Knife, 6-inch blade, with sheath;

13)         Boat hook, extendable to at least 10 feet;

14)         A locking mechanism to secure a stretcher or litter below the gunwale level;

15)         For watercraft operating on Lake Michigan:

A)        A VHF/FM marine radio with at least 25 watts of power;

B)        Navigational charts for service area and navigational aids, including compass or Global Positioning System (GPS);

C)        Speed capability of 20 knots per hour; and

D)        Visual distress signal.

c)         All watercraft shall have communication equipment to assure exchange of information between individuals and agencies, including at least those involved at the SEMSV Medical Direction point within the EMS System, and law enforcement agencies.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 16159, effective November 1, 2024)