Mandatory kill switch use law passed

[Bad Habit]

Copied from a US Coast Guard post- the 90 day countdown has already started

I am going to be the bearer of what some will consider bad tidings. Most of you are familiar with the spending bill that was recently passed. This language was contained in the bill. I'll note that this is due to take effect 90 days following the passage of the bill. As time goes on I will keep everyone posted here and as always will be available to answer questions. I may not have answers yet, but after a few meetings with our headquarters team should be able to answer any of them. Go ahead and ask the questions now so that I can get the answers for you in the upcoming meetings.

SEC. 8316. ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCHES; USE REQUIREMENT.

(a) In General.--Section 4312 of title 46, United States Code, is

amended--

(1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as

subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and

(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:

``(b) Use Requirement.--

``(1) In general.--An individual operating a covered

recreational vessel shall use an engine cut-off switch link while

operating on plane or above displacement speed.

``(2) Exceptions.--The requirement under paragraph (1) shall

not apply if--

``(A) the main helm of the covered vessel is installed

within an enclosed cabin; or

``(B) the vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and

is not required to have one under subsection (a).''.

(b) Civil Penalty.--Section 4311 of title 46, United States Code,

is amended by--

(1) redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) as

subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and

(2) inserting after subsection (b) the following:

``(c) A person violating section 4312(b) of this title is liable to

the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than--

``(1) $100 for the first offense;

``(2) $250 for the second offense; and

``(3) $500 for any subsequent offense.''.

(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made in subsections (a) and (b)

shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this

section, unless the Commandant, prior to the date that is 90 days after

the date of the enactment of this section, determines that the use

requirement enacted in subsection (a) would not promote recreational

boating safety.
__________________

[smitch320]

Sad it takes more legislation to do something that should be done anyway, in my opinion.

[Fireman]

I'm curious to see what the "exemptions" are.

While it is a great idea to wear the kill switch, I have two boats that don't have one. I have a 1976 Johnson 25hp sea horse that didn't come with one from the factory. And my newer key west was retrofitted with an older Johnson motor to new BRP controls, and guess what, the kill switch was not operable from the new BRP Controls.

[First Coat]

"a covered recreational vessel"? Is a 24' bay boat with a T-top a "covered vessel"? Why can't they use normal language?

[huntinghagen#12]

I have a zip tie where my kill switch is supposed to go ... Guess I'll have to upgrade.

[Bad Habit]

it was defined by the CG as any vessel 26' or less that can make 115 lbs of thrust- use is not required off plane- use is defined as connected to the operator- boats/motors not originally equipped are exempt just like old cars and seat belts.

The CG fully expects mandatory wearing of PFD in the near future.

[Jay]

"That can make 115lbs of thrust". Explain that to me.

[First Coat]

Mandatory PFD? WTF? The wife and I putt putting down the river or thru the harbor and we have to wear a life jacket? What is going on?

60' sportfish trolling Lake Atlantic with a PFD? Dumb. It'll screw up my sun tan

[JABIII]

You can imagine that if it looks like something any of the people who voted on the bill would be caught dead on, it will be exempt from the requirements...

[drwilly]

the need to control others is the most contagious virus around

[hunterjw]

Mandatory PFD? WTF? The wife and I putt putting down the river or thru the harbor and we have to wear a life jacket? What is going on?

60' sportfish trolling Lake Atlantic with a PFD? Dumb. It'll screw up my sun tan

Where are you seeing mandatory pfd?

[theoldblackdog]

Where are you seeing mandatory pfd?

2 posts above that one BadHabit said that in his post at the bottom.........

[LCO]

A kill switch could’ve saved a few people I knew, mandatory PFD is kinda different though

[Sportin' Woodies]

Not riding a boat would have saved em too.

Maybe we should outlaw water crafts.

[jwilliams]

anything about glitter boats?

[Kwacker2]

I already wear the lanyard in the Jon boat and bass boat, Whaler, not so much but I can get used to it.
The PDF thing will be a pain. Damn but I hate lobbyists.

[jwilliams]

I wear my kill switch and PFD most of the time, but that was voluntary. If it becomes law, that changes things

[billyjack]

Sad it takes more legislation to do something that should be done anyway, in my opinion.

Sad that they don’t apply similar legislation to legislators.

[Catdaddy]

Bet this guy wishes he had one.

Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk

[Bad Habit]

"That can make 115lbs of thrust". Explain that to me.

I am not the CG but a 115 lb thrust trolling motor meets the guidelines- but I don't think you will be "on plane"-