New US Boating Law - Requires use of ECOS Emergency Cut Off Switch

[Montanan]

Under a new US federal law effective April 1, 2021, those piloting boats less than 26 feet in length are required to use their engine cut-off switches (ECOS) much of the time. That means wearing a lanyard—aka ECOS link—while at the wheel. (Formerly referred to as, “kill switches,” the term engine cut-off switch, or ECOS, is the preferred nomenclature, whether referring to engine-cut-off switches operated by a physical lanyard or any of several electronic solutions.)

Specifically, Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 passed by Congress requires individuals operating recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length with an engine capable of 115 pounds of static thrust (3 hp) or more to use ECOS links. However, this law applies when the primary helm is not in a cabin and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Situations in which an ECOS link would not be required include docking, launching and loading on a trailer, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.

Most boats that have been manufactured in the last couple of decades have been built with such cut off switches.

Under the federal law, operators who fail to follow the new requirement can face civil penalties up to $100 for the first offense. Seven states already have similar laws, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. Forty-four states have the same kinds of regulations for personal watercraft.
Most states that don’t already have such laws on the books are expected to amend their regulations to match federal law over the coming years.

Key Requirements

Boaters operating boats less than 26 feet LOA must use an ECOS link if one is installed.

Boats built before 2020 may not have been required to have an ECOS installed but most have ECOS aboard anyway.

Boats less than 26 feet in length that generate more than 115lbs of static thrust (~ 2-3hp) and were built beginning in January 2020 must have a ECOS installed.

If the boat was built in January 2020 or later, the Engine Cut-Off Switch systems must be maintained in working condition for the life of the boat. Just like navigation lights or exhaust blowers.

Boaters are not required to use ECOS if:

The boat is operated from an enclosed helm.
The boat is off plane and not exceeding hull speed
During docking maneuvers or while at idle
The vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and is not required to have one.