U.S. Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of Engine Cut-off Switches
WASHINGTON - Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.
The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. The ECOSL is usually a lanyard-style cord that attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the ECOSL disengages from the ECOS and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use. These devices use an electronic "fob" that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning the engine off. Wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.
Each year the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or the boat begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking them, often with the propeller. These dangerous runaway vessel situations put the ejected operator, other users of the waterway, and marine law enforcement officers and other first responders in serious danger.
Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condition. It is recommended that recreational vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer's instructions.
Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust; 3 HP or more) to use ECOS "links." Using the ECOSL is required only when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Common situations where ECOSL use would not be required include docking/trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.
The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed, so this new use requirement simply obligates recreational vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat.
Seven states currently have ECOS use laws for traditional recreational vessels, and 44 states have ECOS use laws for personal watercraft (PWC).
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: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php
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Mark Jensen
Self
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-25-2021 09:22 AM
From: Jeff Ludwig
Subject: Engine Cutoff Lanyards
The "use" requirement was just passed on January 1, 2021 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021. It will become part of 46 USC 4312, it just hasn't been codified yet since the law recently passed.
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Jeff Ludwig
Chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch
US Coast Guard
Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2021 06:26 PM
From: Greg Galloway
Subject: Engine Cutoff Lanyards
I see nothing in the code that is directed to a "use requirement". There seems to be only a requirement that switches be installed by manufacturers on certain vessels. Am I missing something? 46 USC 4312
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Greg Galloway
National Park Service
Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2021 03:15 PM
From: Jeff Ludwig
Subject: Engine Cutoff Lanyards
Boating Safety Colleagues,
I wanted to give you a quick update on what the Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety is doing to promote awareness of the engine cut-off switch issues. As most are aware, an ECOS installation requirement went into effect in Dec 2019, and an ECOS use requirement goes into effect on 1 Apr 2021. These requirements can be found in 46 USC 4312.
We are currently finalizing an issue paper and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that will be used to draft a USCG press release and other materials to promote awareness of the impending ECOS wear requirement. This is a federal requirement, so state and local marine police cannot enforce it. However, since there is now a federal requirement, state and local laws are most likely preempted. We believe there are 7 states that have ECOS laws applicable in some manner to "traditional" motorboats. We also believe that there are at least 44 states that have PWC-specific ECOS laws. Our intention is to pursue exemptions from preemption for all state laws that meet the spirit of the federal laws, which should be the overwhelming majority of states with ECOS laws.
We hope to have more information out soon. If you have any immediate questions, please contact me at jeffrey.a.ludwig@uscg.mil. Thanks!
Jeff
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Jeff Ludwig
Chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch
US Coast Guard
Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2021 09:37 AM
From: Curt Lewis
Subject: Engine Cutoff Lanyards
The State of Illinois has had a lanyard law in effect since 2010. I have attached the legislative language here.
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(625 ILCS 45/4-11) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 314-11)
Sec. 4-11. Engine cut-off switch.
(a) As used in this Section:
"Engine cut-off switch link" means the lanyard or wireless cut-off device used to attach the motorboat operator to the engine cut-off switch installed on the motorboat.
"Engine cut-off switch" means an operational emergency cut-off engine stop switch installed on a motorboat that attaches to a motorboat operator by an engine cut-off switch link.
(b) No person may operate any motor boat, including personal watercraft or specialty prop-craft, equipped with an engine cut-off switch while the engine is running and the motorboat is underway without verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully-functional and:
(1) the engine cut-off switch link is properly
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attached to his or her person, clothing or worn PFD, as appropriate for the specific vessel; or
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(2) activating the wireless cut-off system.
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Curt Lewis
Lieutenant
Illinois Conservation Police
Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2021 09:39 AM
From: Chris Edmonston
Subject: Engine Cutoff Lanyards
So...
We have a new federal engine cutoff lanyard requirement coming to a waterway near you very soon! What will your state/local agency do? Will you:
- Try to change your state code to match?
- Adopt by reference in your regulations?
- Do nothing?
Can anyone even enforce the regulation if it's not in your state/local code?
We are getting TONS of calls here at BoatU.S. asking what's going on!
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Chris Edmonston
President
BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water
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