Safety First

HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America’s Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sometimes called a “kill switch,” emergency cutoff switches shut off the engine in an emergency. They’re located at the helm of a boat or personal watercraft, on a tiller, or on the body of an outboard engine. A simple lanyard attaches to the ignition’s key at one end and is clipped to the operator’s life jacket or belt loop. If the operator falls away from the helm, the lanyard pulls the ignition key out, turning the engine off.

This is especially important if the helmsman is thrown overboard from an unexpected turn, has a medical emergency, or if the boat hits an object or large wake, or has steering failures. If the boat is moving forward slowly without a helmsman, it tends to circle to one side, called the “circle of death,” until it hits something or someone. Spinning propellers can injure, maim or kill instantly.

Other high-tech wireless cutoff switches — like the ACR OLAS Guardian or Fell Marine MOB+ — are worn on an arm band or the wrist of the operator, paired with wearable sensors for passengers, and are programmable to send an automatic distress signal in the event of a man overboard situation.

Emergency cutoff switches are now required by law on boats less than 26 feet; if a boater is caught without one, a first offense fine is $100. Illinois has additional laws. Exceptions occur for helms within enclosed cabins, and if the boat isn’t on plane or is at low speeds associated with fishing or docking.

Since 2020, manufacturers, distributors and dealers have equipped boats less than 26 feet in length with engines having more than 115 pounds of thrust (like a 2-hp engine) with kill switches. Older boats can be retrofitted for wireless ones.

What switch do I need? How often do you step away from the helm? Are you with passengers or by yourself? Wireless units with multiple sensors are great; if the helmsman leaves, another person can keep the engine running and each person carrying a sensor is safeguarded if they go overboard. These systems differ in price, but they require charged batteries and must be in sync with the ignition.

Lanyards are perfect for solo boaters and work only if it’s attached to the operator. With others onboard, consider having a spare key hooked to a lanyard and readily available if something happens to the operator. Lanyards vary in type, size and price. Find one that’s right for your height. It should float, but consider also adding a floating keychain to the key just in case. Finally, determine the force needed to trigger the cutoff device. It may take time to get used to wearing one, but wear it, nonetheless.

Man overboard (MOB) situations Before landing in the drink, the lanyard or wireless kill switch will stop the engine. Any passengers onboard should yell “man overboard!,” locate the MOB in the water, toss them a flotation device and a line, and keep them in sight. Someone needs to restart the engine, carefully circle the MOB (never back up), and get them into the boat.

Never jump into the water unless you’re wearing a life jacket and are tethered to the boat. If a MOB occurs at night, shoot up a flare, which will reflect off a life jacket.

If a rescue isn’t possible, keep the MOB in sight and contact the Coast Guard on the VHF radio’s channel 16, or press the red Digital Selective Calling (DSC) button. DSC and an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number registered with the Coast Guard has the boat’s information and GPS location. Help will be on the way.

If you’re a solo boater, hopefully you’re not only wearing a lanyard, but also a life jacket and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). The EPIRB will notify the Coast Guard of your location.

MOB HELP! If you’re thrown overboard, the water will most likely be cold, cooling the body 25 times faster than in the air. Dexterity may wane and swimming will be difficult.

Before going in, cover your nose and mouth to avoid cold shock. Keep your head above water. Float on your back, using the survival float method, or pull your knees up to your chest to conserve heat. Treading water may be necessary, and don’t remove clothing.

Finally, an emergency cutoff switch works only if it’s used. Practice leaving the helm while wearing one in an open location and review MOB procedures in case it really happens. Safety first! ★