PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL SAFE BOATING COUNCIL
It’s time to check and make sure your engine cutoff switch is working because starting April 1, the new federal engine cutoff switch law goes into effect as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The law applies to boats less than 26 feet operating on plane or above displacement speed, and requires the vessel operator to use a helm or outboard lanyard or wireless ECOS to connect to an engine cutoff device when operating a boat that has a functioning engine cutoff device or wireless ECOS, or is manufactured beginning January 2020.
“BoatUS supports responsible use of cutoff devices and wants to get the word out to boaters to be aware of this new requirement so they can prepare,” says BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “We believe the new requirement allows recreational boaters to operate their vessels in a practical manner while increasing boating safety.”
The new law helps prevent boat strike injury as a result of the operator being ejected overboard and applies to all federally navigable waterways.
To learn more, visit uscgboating.org.
