Not really as there is always a risk that a child or guest could accidentally knock the engine into gear, dumping the only qualified helmsperson into the sea. Is it ever safe to leave the engine running without wearing a kill cord? Interestingly the RNLI does not use kill cords on its inshore lifeboats and RIBs precisely because it limits crews’ ability to move around the craft at short notice, although the boats are all fitted with sprung-hand throttles that return to idle when released. You only have to look around you in any marina or popular anchorage to see people bombing around in tenders and sportsboats with the kill cord clearly dangling from the outboard engine’s tiller or the boat’s dashboard.Įven many experienced and safety-conscious boat owners will admit to certain occasions, such as manoeuvring around a marina, putting out fenders or checking fishing lines or ski ropes, when they have chosen to detach themselves from the kill cord and leave the engine idling in neutral. “That it should not be left exposed to the elements as extremes of temperature and UV light may harm the lanyard in the long term.” Why are some people not wearing kill cords?Ī significant proportion of boat owners are either ignoring, forgetting or deliberately choosing not to wear the kill cord in certain circumstances. “That you should not attempt to extend the length of the kill cord to give greater freedom of movement around the boat. “That you should not clip it to any clothing or lifejacket, which could rip or become detached from the driver instead of from the dashboard switch. “That you attach the kill cord around your leg, rather than your wrist (to avoid it becoming tangled in the steering or throttle mechanisms). In addition to the MAIB’s safety bulletin it also advises: How to use a kill cord is a key part of the Powerboat Level 1 and 2 training courses. What does the RYA have to say about the use of kill cords? However, there may be a clause in your insurance policy which requires you to operate the boat in a safe manner and which could potentially count against you in any litigation proceedings related to an insurance claim.Ĭommercial operators fall under a different code of practice and are required to wear a kill cord when fitted. There is currently no legal obligation for leisure boat owners to wear a kill cord even if it is fitted to the boat they are driving. Leaving the kill cord over the throttle reminds the helmsman to attach it before driving Are you legally required to use a kill cord if fitted? He won $3.8 million dollars on the basis that Brunswick had failed in its duty of care by not fitting a propeller guard as standard. You only have to look at the case of American Jacob Brochtrup, who successfully sued Brunswick for failing to fit a propeller guard after his friend Patrick Houston accidentally reversed over him in the Sea Ray 176 they were using. If it could be proved that boat and engine manufacturers were aware that such a device would help prevent deaths and injuries but chose not to fit it, they could risk being sued by surviving relatives or victims of this type of accident. The US is by far the biggest market for outboard engines and sportsboats, it is also the litigation capital of the world. Why is that?Īlthough no engine manufacturer would openly admit it, the most compelling reason is likely to be the threat of litigation. Most manufacturers of sportsboats and RIBs powered by inboard engines also choose to fit them. This is very different to a kill cord, which not only prevents the engine being started when it’s not in place but also cuts the engine when it is removed.ĭespite the lack of boatbuilding legislation, every outboard engine manufacturer we spoke to does supply a kill cord with every engine sold, whether it’s for a 2hp tiller-steered tender or a 350hp 50-knot RIB. “The exception to this is for engines either producing less than 500N of thrust, or those which have their thrust limited to 500N at the time of starting”. The only mention of outboard engines in the RCD states that: “All boats with outboard engines shall have a device to prevent starting the engine in gear. A kill cord can also be worn on your wrist Picture: Lester McCarthy What about engine manufacturers?
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