Should Your B.C. Boat Have a Kill Switch?
Your B.C. boat should have a kill switch for safety reasons. A kill switch automatically shuts down your boat’s engine if the boat operator is thrown overboard, reducing the risk of a propeller injury or drowning.
Does your B.C. boat have this safety feature?
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What’s a kill switch for your B.C. boat?
It’s also called an engine cutoff switch. It’s a safety device that shuts off a boat’s engine if the operator falls overboard, is incapacitated, or has to step away from the wheel due to an emergency.
Is a kill switch physically connected to the boat’s driver?
Yes. A kill switch is a lanyard that’s usually connected to a boat operator’s wrist, life jacket, or belt and to the boat’s ignition system. It can look like a long cord.
How does the engine cutoff system work?
If the boat’s operator moves too far from the wheel, the lanyard will disconnect and act as a kill switch to turn the engine off automatically.
Can I get a wireless kill switch?
Yes. A kill switch can also be wireless, which gives more freedom of movement. It uses wireless technology (like Bluetooth) to establish a link between a wristband or lanyard and a receiver unit on the boat. If the fob loses the signal due to being overboard or too far away, the hub detects the disconnection and shuts down the boat’s engine.
Does the kill switch shut off if the boat’s driver is thrown overboard?
If a B.C. boat’s operator is thrown overboard or loses consciousness, the cutoff switch will immediately shut off the engine.
How do kill switches prevent propeller accidents and boat fatalities in British Columbia?
A kill switch stops the propeller from rotating, which significantly reduces the risk of propeller strikes, injuries, and deaths. Propeller strikes are a serious risk and can lead to boating fatalities. Stopping the boat’s engine allows the boat’s operator to get back on board more easily.
Is a kill switch mandatory in British Columbia?
A kill switch is not mandatory on B.C. boats. Transport Canada was studying and consulting on the possibility of requiring engine cut-off switches on certain recreational boats in Canada.
In the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard requires kill switches on recreational vessels under 26 feet (8 metres) in length.
In B.C. and the rest of Canada, personal watercraft (PWCs), also called jet skis or water scooters, are required to have engine cutoff switches.
Consider having your kill switch professionally installed in your B.C. boat to ensure it properly works.
Are there different kinds of engine cutoff systems for my B.C. boat?
Another choice is a wireless person-overboard alarm system, which is more suited to larger boats with a crew.
For smaller boats, a lanyard kill switch is solid choice for safe boating out on B.C.’s waterways.
Final thoughts
If the boat’s operator is ejected, a kill switch prevents your B.C. boat from continuing to run and potentially harm the operator, other people, or marine vessels. An engine cutoff switch can also prevent propeller strikes, which can be deadly.
Should I get insurance for my B.C. boat?
Your boat is a significant investment. Boat insurance is not required in B.C., but if your boat is financed your lender may require boat insurance. Many B.C. marinas can require boat insurance with $3 million in liability coverage.
BC boat insurance protects you and your loved ones in the case of a boating accident or injury. It protects your boat and its motor, boating equipment, and boating accessories like lifejackets, GPS, depth sounders, and many other items.
5 FAQs about kill switches and boats
How much does a kill switch cost for my B.C. boat?
A lanyard kill switch costs between $10 to $40. Many are less than $30.
What size of boat needs a kill switch?
They’re usually recommended for B.C. boats that are less than 26 feet (8 metres) but they’re also for larger boats, too.
Can an engine cutoff switch also prevent boat theft?
Yes, a kill switch can be used remotely to shut off your B.C. boat’s engine, making it impossible for thieves to start the boat. It’s foolproof and should be used with anti-theft measures.
Will a boat start if the kill switch is off?
No, your B.C. boat will not start or run if the kill switch is off.
Can I get an insurance discount for my B.C. boat if I get a kill switch installed?
Having a kill switch installed on your B.C. boat may get you a boat insurance discount. Many insurers consider kill switches as a safety feature that helps reduce accidents and theft. You’ll need to ask your B.C. boat insurance provider.
How long does a boat kill switch last?
A kill switch is typically designed to last the life of your B.C. boat if properly maintained.
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