New Coast Guard Requirement Effective April 1, 2021

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 as of April Fool's Day. All "fooling" aside, that's the official word from the Coast Guard, as the result of a new law passed by Congress.

The ECOS and its link prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The link attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. Usually a lanyard-style cord, the link 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 link disengages from the ECOS, and the motor automatically shuts down.

Wireless ECOS, a fairly recent development, also are 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 off the engine. These 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 worse, the boat begins to circle the person in the water, eventually striking them...often with the propeller. These types of situations put everyone in danger, including the ejected operator, other users on the waterway, marine law-enforcement officers, and first responders.

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 ECOS link 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 ECOS-link 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. That link is as follows: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php.