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Thread: Boat engine cutoff switch law takes effect April 1

  1. #1
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    Default Boat engine cutoff switch law takes effect April 1

    Not sure how I missed this, but I'm guessing a few of you may have as well.

    https://boatingindustry.com/news/202...ffect-april-1/

    There are new engine cutoff device wear requirements for recreational boat operators as part of the National Defense Authorization Act that included a U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization. Effective April 1, 2021, the new law requires a vessel operator to 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.

    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.

    These vessels include boats that have a functioning engine cutoff device installed at the helm or on an outboard engine or have wireless ECOS, or boats manufactured beginning January 2020. The Coast Guard increased the number of boats required to have ECOS installed after this date in an effort to reduce boating accidents and fatalities.


    Exceptions to the ECOS requirement include 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 – or about the size of a 2-hp engine.

    The new law applies to all federally navigable waterways. As this is a federal law, states do not have the ability to enforce the new ECOS regulation — though seven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas) currently have their own ECOS laws. BoatUS expects most states to amend their regulations to match federal law over the coming years. While boat operators who fail to follow the new requirement could face a $100 civil penalty for the first offense, BoatUS expects the U.S. Coast Guard’s initial focus will be education.

    Boaters are encouraged to check the U.S. Coast Guard website for additional information on this new use requirement and other safety regulations and recommendations.

    “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,” said 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.”

  2. #2
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    Yay more .gov regulation and involvement in my life.
    cut\'em

  3. #3
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    What if motors didnt come with one like my dad’s 1978 merc?
    "Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
    I am haunted by waters" Norman Maclean.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phone Man View Post
    What if motors didnt come with one like my dad’s 1978 merc?
    I believe it would be exempt.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Phone Man View Post
    What if motors didnt come with one like my dad’s 1978 merc?
    The way I read it, "These vessels include boats that have a functioning engine cutoff device installed at the helm or on an outboard engine or have wireless ECOS, or boats manufactured beginning January 2020.", if the boat doesn't have it or it is non-functional, you aren't required to wear it, (even though you should install one and wear it).

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Palmetto Bug View Post
    The way I read it, "These vessels include boats that have a functioning engine cutoff device installed at the helm or on an outboard engine or have wireless ECOS, or boats manufactured beginning January 2020.", if the boat doesn't have it or it is non-functional, you aren't required to wear it, (even though you should install one and wear it).
    I wouldn't want to try to argue my way out of a ticket that I wasn't wearing one because it was broken.

    Not that I think it should have to be argued anyways...

  7. #7
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    No new laws no new taxes no new fees

  8. #8
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    I wash my hands after touching a bird feeder, I wear a seatbelt (and insist everyone is the car with me does too), I wear my kill switch and I always wear my lifejacket anytime I'm in water over my head or the boat's moving and so does everyone on the boat.

    I did all of these things before the government told me to.
    Ephesians 2 : 8-9



    Charles Barkley: Nobody doesn't like meat.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sportin' Woodies View Post
    No new laws no new taxes no new fees
    May the Founders spirits smile down upon you

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rubberhead* View Post
    I wash my hands after touching a bird feeder, I wear a seatbelt (and insist everyone is the car with me does too), I wear my kill switch and I always wear my lifejacket anytime I'm in water over my head or the boat's moving and so does everyone on the boat.

    I did all of these things before the government told me to.
    Do you work for OSHA?

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bad Habit View Post
    Do you work for OSHA?
    Haha - nope but I'm getting old and still around and healthy...
    Ephesians 2 : 8-9



    Charles Barkley: Nobody doesn't like meat.

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