Coast Guard reminds boaters of new engine cut-off switch law

Coast Guard reminds boaters of new engine cut-off switch law
JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard reminds mariners of a new law requiring recreational boats to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL). An ECOS is an emergency ignition cut-off device that shuts down the engine if the operator is ejected from the vessel or falls overboard. On April 1, 2021, the law went into effect requiring operators of recreational vessels with an installed...

Coast Guard good Samaritan rescue 1, stop runaway vessel off Miami

MIAMI — A good Samaritan rescued a man in the water in the vicinity of Fisherman’s Channel, Monday, at approximately 6 p.m., after he was separated from his vessel. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews arrived to the scene with the vessel still running and stopped it by entangling the prop. The man suffered a minor injury, but declined medical assistance. “As...

Coast Guard assists man separated from his vessel in Thomas Basin, Alaska

Coast Guard assists man separated from his vessel in Thomas Basin, Alaska
KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Station Ketchikan 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew was on scene Friday for a man who became separated from his vessel in Thomas Basin, Ketchikan, Alaska. A Coast Guard Sector Juneau Command Center watchstander received notification at approximately 11 a.m. of a person who fell off his skiff and entered the water. The unmanned skiff then ran in circles near him. Sector...

Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of Engine Cut-off Switches

Coast Guard Announces New Law Requiring Use of Engine Cut-off Switches
WASHINGTON – Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress. The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if...