What Michigan Boaters Should Know about the New Boating Kill Switch Law

WHAT IS A BOATING KILL SWITCH (ECOS)?

An emergency engine cut-off switch (ECOS), commonly known as a boating kill switch,   is a device that shuts off the engine when the operator falls overboard or is thrust away from the helm. For the device to work properly, an ECOS link, a lanyard or cord, connects the engine switch to the operator’s wrist or personal flotation device (PFD). When the operator is pulled away from the helm, the device detaches from the switch, shutting the engine off immediately and automatically.

While many ECOS devices use a physical lanyard, some systems may use wireless technology. These wireless devices rely on a wearable sensor, such as a fob, to communicate with the boat and shut off the engine if the operator moves too far from the boat. 

This is a significant safety feature because it eliminates the danger of an overboard boater being hit by a moving propeller. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can potentially inflict 160 impacts in one second.

In addition, many boaters drown after their boat speeds away, leaving them stranded in deep water. This situation is most likely to happen when no one else is on board to turn the boat around or call for help. An ECOS prevents the boat from moving so the operator has a better chance of safely re-boarding the vessel.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW BOATING KILL SWITCH LAW?

Although many boats have included engine cut-off switches for years, federal law now requires their use in certain situations. Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021, which became effective April 1, 2021, is a federal law that applies to all navigable waterways. The law requires operators of all recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length with engine capacity of 115 pounds of static thrust (3 horsepower) or greater to use ECOS devices.

Although some states have their own ECOS regulations, the new federal law takes precedence over existing state regulations. Furthermore, because states cannot implement federal laws, the U.S. Coast Guard will be the primary enforcer. Boat operators who fail to use an approved ECOS device may face penalties, including fines, for a first offense. Details on the law can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard website.

ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS TO THE ECOS LINK (KILL SWITCH) REQUIREMENT?

Boat operators must use the ECOS link when the vessel is on plane or operating above displacement speed. “On plane” means that the boat is traveling fast enough that it rises up and glides on top of the water. Essentially, the ECOS link should be attached at any time when the boat is moving at higher speeds. 

That being said, ECOS links, or kill switches, are not required in the following situations:

• On boats with engine capacity less than 115 pounds of static thrust (3 horsepower)
• Vessels with the main helm located in an enclosed cabin
• Docking and other low-speed activities
• Launching and loading a boat onto a trailer
• Trolling and operating a vessel in no-wake zones

While these exceptions apply in specific scenarios, boat operators should keep in mind that unexpected movements can still occur. Even when not required, it is recommended to use the ECOS device whenever possible.

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