[Gatorgrizz27]

Just to be clear, it appears to state that manufacturers are required to install them on new boats, not that operators are required to use them, correct?

FWIW, I do use mine on my tiller skiff and have the same view of them as motorcycle helmets, you’re stupid if you don’t wear one but it shouldn’t be against the law.

Not a fan of the idea of being pulled over “because I couldn’t see if you had a kill switch lanyard on”, or being cited for not having it attached while loading the boat on the trailer. I don’t use it there as I run the boat on halfway, then leave it in gear idling to keep it from sliding backwards while I run up and attach the winch strap.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Just to be clear, it appears to state that manufacturers are required to install them on new boats, not that operators are required to use them, correct?

FWIW, I do use mine on my tiller skiff and have the same view of them as motorcycle helmets, you’re stupid if you don’t wear one but it shouldn’t be against the law.

Not a fan of the idea of being pulled over “because I couldn’t see if you had a kill switch lanyard on”, or being cited for not having it attached while loading the boat on the trailer. I don’t use it there as I run the boat on halfway, then leave it in gear idling to keep it from sliding backwards while I run up and attach the winch strap.

In Texas it is a law and that means yes, you could be pulled over for not having one visibly in use. I wear mine all the time after seeing a few boating accidents where a kill switch would have saved lives. My friend’s father was killed in the early 2000’s after being thrown from his bass boat after hitting a stump in the lake and his boat circled around and killed him. If you are thrown from your boat and it goes out of control and kills or injures someone that’s your ass. Wear your kill switch, it’s not a ridiculous cloth mask, this device will effectively save a life or lives.

 

[topnative2]

Use to be a NJSP- Marine Police officer years ago. While on patrol noticed a boat running in circles, went to check and found the owner in the water with a huge deep cut into his forehead. Lucky for him he had his PFD on. Boat doing one of the circles ran over him and the prop got him, lucky it didn't kill him. So yeah wear the cut off switch. Boat was 15" Boston Whaler.

I wonder if it was the pfd keeping him on the surface that got him whacked?

 

[topnative2]

I like loopholes. It's fun to watch the left try to close them.

They're the reason velcro was applied to shoes. The dumbing down is complete.

I think u got spanked.

 

[topnative2]

Just to be clear, it appears to state that manufacturers are required to install them on new boats, not that operators are required to use them, correct?

FWIW, I do use mine on my tiller skiff and have the same view of them as motorcycle helmets, you’re stupid if you don’t wear one but it shouldn’t be against the law.

Not a fan of the idea of being pulled over “because I couldn’t see if you had a kill switch lanyard on”, or being cited for not having it attached while loading the boat on the trailer. I don’t use it there as I run the boat on halfway, then leave it in gear idling to keep it from sliding backwards while I run up and attach the winch strap.

I would like to see the exact wording....seems the FAQ's kind of dance around the issue of before 2020 and mandatory connection. I could not find anything on FWC website.

A quick ck of Fl. stat. does not address cut off switches/lanyards.So until it is put into the USCG nav. rules it will be unenforceable by locals/state.......Looking further.......

 

[coconutgroves]

Why does it f'ing matter about the year and loophole? Wear the f'ing switch. It could also save YOUR life. It isn't much to ask.

While running at night, I've nearly been thrown out due to a rogue wave, including nearly throwing my brother over board. I was glad to had my switch on.

I wear a small carabiner that I attach it to - quick and easy.

Any jack ass can buy a boat or jet ski without any training or license. Personally, I think there should be the same laws for operating a boat that is required for driving a car. People should get a license and understand basic safety. This is one of them. I am sure many of you will disagree with that - but doing a simple Google search for boating accident may change your mind. You complain about idiot jet skiers - that would take more than a few off the water.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

I wonder if it was the pfd keeping him on the surface that got him whacked?

Naa, it was being tossed overboard and the captain not wearing a kill switch

 

[topnative2]

SEC. 8316. ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCHES; USE REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 4312 of title 46, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as
subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Use Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--An individual operating a covered
recreational vessel shall use an engine cut-off switch link while
operating on plane or above displacement speed.
``(2) Exceptions.--The requirement under paragraph (1) shall
not apply if--
``(A) the main helm of the covered vessel is installed
within an enclosed cabin; or
``(B) the vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch and
is not required to have one under subsection (a).''.
(b) Civil Penalty.--Section 4311 of title 46, United States Code,
is amended by--
(1) redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) as
subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and
(2) inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) A person violating section 4312(b) of this title is liable to
the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than--
``(1) $100 for the first offense;
``(2) $250 for the second offense; and
``(3) $500 for any subsequent offense.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made in subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this
section, unless the Commandant, prior to the date that is 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this section, determines that the use
requirement enacted in subsection (a) would not promote recreational
boating safety.

 

[georgiadrifter]

Especially important when fishing alone...which I do a lot of. I clip the lanyard to the D-ring on my inflatable life vest. I like the knee idea too.👍🏻

 

[Snakesurf]

There is a plus to not wearing a lanyard; Bad news, we found a body in da bayou. Good news, we got a dozen blue crab when we pulled it up.

 

[firecat1981]

There seems to be some confusion. You do not need to have the lanyard on when operating at idle speeds. Such times as docking, loading, or trolling. So obviously there was some common sense discussion prior to implementing.

Seriously though, why would anyone not wear it when running a small boat, especially through Shallows or chop. Just seems foolish to me. I'll guess those are the guys who have never hit an unmarked oyster bar in the early morning, or a stump in a murky canal..... Things can happen quick!

It will be a few more years, but the FWC is gearing up to make anyone operating in state waters have a boaters safety card on them.

 

[topnative2]

Some day fwc will enforce the over powered boats like all the Gheenoes running around ............ha!

 

[Steve_Mevers]

I worked many an accident involving prop cuts do to people being ejected without the kill switch attached, it was really more hazardous with cable steering. It is always a good practice to have the kill switch lanyard attached to you, shit happens in a hurry.

 

[Cork]

Yes you have to wear it.

Two uninjured after being thrown from boat in Charlotte Harbor

Around 7 a.m. the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an unmanned boat that was running in a circle, according to FWC.

abc-7.com

Sunday morning, Bokelia, 2 people ejected.
Boat ran in circles.

 

[11604]

Yes you have to wear it.

Two uninjured after being thrown from boat in Charlotte Harbor

Around 7 a.m. the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of an unmanned boat that was running in a circle, according to FWC.

abc-7.com

Sunday morning, Bokelia, 2 people ejected.
Boat ran in circles.

Sounds like somewhere around Jug creek

 

[kylet]

How on the hell did this just become law I Always wear mine you gall out the boat stops thats a no brainer right there.

Because it shouldn’t be a law. It’s common sense.

 

[jay.bush1434]

Because it shouldn’t be a law. It’s common sense.

Well common sense isn't all that common anymore and there is no dumbass vaccine.

 

[kylet]

Well common sense isn't all that common anymore and there is no dumbass vaccine.

That’s fine. Still doesn’t need to be a law. Don’t need to be illegal to forget to replace fire alarm batteries. Don’t need to go to jail for not wearing sunscreen. Don’t need a fine for spraying bug spray on skin. Don’t need to go to jail for eating fast food.

They keep this up, Im gonna find where they are anchoring their boats and I’m gonna dump all their damn tea.

 

[21166]

I agree with the law, for the fact that someone's lack of common sense can harm me. If someone's lack of common sense causes them harm, that's their choice. If their lack of common sense harms me or some innocent bystander, then that's negligence and should be addressed legally.
There shouldn't be the need to legislate common sense issues, but that's the world we live in.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

Why is there an argument