US Coast Guard lanyard rule change?

[K447]

A friend recently mentioned this to me. I had not encountered this regulatory change until just now, and I do not know whether this rule or something similar has actually been adopted, nor when it might become enforceable.

There seems to be two interesting aspects. My initial reading is that it is not entirely clear what configuration/types of boats the rules will now apply to.

The requirement for boat operators to actually wear/use the lanyard when moving at speed - prior to this only PWC operators were required to actually use the lanyard when under way?

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-116hr3409ih/html/BILLS-116hr3409ih.htm

Highlighted portion;

... An individual operating a covered recreational vessel shall use an engine cut-off switch link while operating on plane or above displacement speed.
... 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
....
Effective Date.--The amendments made in subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section ...

Unclear to me what 'covered' means.
Covered by these rules or a covered deck/cabin?

[mittens]

I know in my state (alabama) the lanyard rule was for certain size vessels. as I was required in my 252 baja, but am not in my 34 searay.

[nmpeter]

on the surface, my take would be:

(a) a vessel subject to the rules IF the cabin is not enclosed
(b) if the vessel is exempt under sections of the regulation

looks like several accidents have been caused by operator ejection so considering that:

if the boat isn't powerful enough to get up on plane ( like a commercial fisher)
the boat isn't capable of ejecting the operator under normal operating conditions

then the operator doesn't have to be attached to the cutoff switch

consider in rough operating conditions the sudden loss of engine power caused by the operator losing their footing, falling and pulling the kill could cause a serious incident

going a little deeper into the "covered" vessel we have this:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/4312

(1) Covered recreational vessel.—The term “covered recreational vessel” means a recreational vessel that is— (A) less than 26 feet overall in length; and

(B) capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust.

[steve45]

That's been the law in Texas since 2019. It applies to all vessels under 26 feet that are moving faster than head speed.

A wireless kill switch is acceptable. Retrofit of older vessels that were not originally equipped with kill switches is not required. Removal of original kill switches is prohibited.

[raven007]

I agree with the above. I think this is primarily directed at the center console type boats with the open back cabin and that ones with t-tops/tuna towers.

On a side note, lots of folks think I am nuts because I actually use the one in my 14 foot aluminum boat. It feels like i sit on top of that thing (side console) and I could easily see getting tossed out of it.

[steve45]

On a side note, lots of folks think I am nuts because I actually use the one in my 14 foot aluminum boat. It feels like i sit on top of that thing (side console) and I could easily see getting tossed out of it.

No, you're not nuts! I was getting a little wild in my Yamaha Exciter once and wound up laying on the floor--with both engines running at full throttle! The lanyard was too long to pull it from the kill switch, which is mounted near the center of the boat.

[raven007]

yeah, I have always wondered about that placement. With a typical pwc stretchy lanyard on (lets face it, we are gonna use the same one) you can walk up front on the exciter and not pull it off!