On April 1, operators of most vessels under 26 feet long will be required to wear an engine cut-off device while the boat is underway. This measure builds upon steps taken in 2018 to require boat manufacturers to install these devices on most vessels under 26 feet.

Operators of boats with above 3HP engines attached, where the cabin is enclosed or covered are not required to wear these devices. Other common situations where these devices would not be required would be during docking/trailering, trolling, and operating in no-wake zones.

The overwhelming majority of recreational boats and watercrafts already have engine “kill switches” installed, and this legislation would just require boaters to use the devices already available to them.

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.