There are new engine cutoff device wear requirements for recreational boat operators. These devices, commonly referred to as engine cutoff switches (ECOS), are designed to prevent a boat-strike injury if an operator is accidentally ejected overboard while underway.

Engine cutoff devices can be located at the helm of the boat or on the tiller or body of an outboard engine and typically connect a boat’s operator to the cutoff switch with a lanyard. Some ECOS devices eliminate the lanyard and rely on wireless proximity devices to shut down an engine if the operator goes overboard.

A vessel operator must use either a helm or outboard lanyard or wireless ECOS on certain vessels less than 26 feet when traveling on plane or above displacement speed. These vessels include (1) boats that have a functioning engine cutoff device installed at the helm or on an outboard engine or have wireless ECOS, or (2) boats manufactured since January 2020.

Exceptions to the ECOS requirement: if the main helm of the vessel is in an enclosed cabin or the vessel is not operating on plane or at displacement speed. Low-speed activities such as fishing or docking do not require use of an ECOS. The vessel operator is also exempt if the boat’s motor produces less than 115 lbs. of static thrust (about the size of a 2-hp engine).

The new regulation applies to all federally navigable waterways and carries a $100.00 civil penalty for the first offense. As this is a federal requirement, New York and Connecticut law enforcement will not currently enforce this regulation (New Jersey has a similar law so they can enforce it). The U.S. Coast Guard will be enforcing the requirement to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.

Info supplied by BoatUS, More details here: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php

Photo courtesy National Safe Boating Council