NASBLA Roundtable

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  • 1.  Engine Cut Off Switch Policy

    Posted 21 days ago

    Illinois amended its Engine Cut Off Switch (ECOS) law 625 ILCS 45/4-11 (b) to agree with Federal law, 46 U.S. Code § 4312.  Illinois law now reads "while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed."  That is a change from the previous law which required ECOS at all times.  The "at all times" rule was problematic when inadvertent engine cut off occorred during low speed maneuvering, such as when docking, or in a lock, when thrust was needed, but distractions could result in an inadvertant lanyard pull.  



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    Capt. David Brezina
    Past Secretary
    Chicago Harbor Safety Comm
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  • 2.  RE: Engine Cut Off Switch Policy

    Posted 19 days ago
    There are wireless cutoffs available that eliminate the lanyard. Not expensive
    Sent from my iPhone




  • 3.  RE: Engine Cut Off Switch Policy

    Posted 19 days ago

    The same Illinois bill that changed to match the Coast Guard standard authorized the electronic ones.  I don't know their range. I can imagine someone crossing to the other side of the boat to fend off -- not a recommended practice -- but you wouldn't want a distracted driver to also lose thrust if they needed it. 



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    David Brezina
    Past Secretary
    Chicago Harbor Safety Comm
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Engine Cut Off Switch Policy

    Posted 19 days ago
    The one I have on my boats kills engines at 50 feet (or in water immersion)
    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Engine Cut Off Switch Policy

    Posted 18 days ago

    50 foot range sounds like it wouldn't have inadvertent engine off problems.  The new Illinois law says "overboard" or "submerging" the transmitter.   

    An aside, I did a quick search for the law on the Internet and two of the "leading" sites publicly available have law from 2023 and 2025, so they wouldn't include this one.   Always use a reliable source.  



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    David Brezina
    Secretary
    Chicago Harbor Safety Comm
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    Original Message