WWCSO: Don’t forget cut-off switches

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office is reminding boat owners of a new federal law requiring an engine cut-off switch and associated linking device. The new federal law, which went into effect April 1requires a switch and linking device be worn by the boat’s operator. It is designed to shut off the boat’s motor if the operator is accidentally thrown overboard.

The engine cut-off switch, better known as ECOS, is usually attached to a lanyard-style cord which is either near the helm or on the outboard motor itself. When enough tension is applied, the cord disengages from the engine cut-off switch and the motor is automatically shut down. Wireless ECOS have recently been developed and are also approved for use, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard and passed by Congress, the new law requires an engine cut-off switch on boats less than 26 feet long that can produce 115 pounds of thrust and are built before December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS that is standard equipment on their vessels in serviceable condition.

Each year the U.S. 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 begins to circle the person in the water eventually striking him or her, 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 danger.

Photo via National Safe Boating Council

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Elkhorn Media Group

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