But Will Boaters Use Them?

CHESTER, CONNECTICUT (USA) – The U.S. Coast Guard is developing a new regulation to require the installation and use of engine cut-off switches (lanyards) for boats less than 26 feet. Lanyards turn off a boat's engine if the operator is ejected from the boat, preventing boating injuries and casualties caused when people are struck by the boat or its propeller.

“Engine cut-off switches are important safety devices and they are already standard equipment on many small powerboats but unfortunately, the traditional, factory-installed systems require the operator to be tethered to the boat. As a result, these systems limit mobility on board and boaters generally don’t use them,” said Anthony Viggiano, CEO of wireless lanyard system manufacturer Autotether™.

The patented Autotether Wireless Lanyard System (show right, above) is an easy-to-install, unobtrusive wireless unit. No wiring or tools are required – the system clips to the boat ignition switch and is self-powered with AAA batteries.

A small personal sensor sends radio waves to a receiver connected to a boat’s engine and Autotether shuts off the engine if the boat operator falls into the water. It also sets off an alarm if passengers on the boat wearing the Autotether sensors (including children and pets) fall into the water. The passenger sensors can also shut off the boat’s engine when the red alert button is pushed in the event that you have a runaway boat.

Some insurance companies offer a discount on boat insurance for boats equipped with an Autotether Wireless Lanyard System.

For more information about the Autotether Wireless Lanyard System, visit www.autotether.com, call 1+860.526.1700 or watch the videos at: www.youtube.com/autotether. To comment on the proposed U.S. Coast Guard regulation on engine cut-off switches, visit www.regulations.gov and reference docket number USCG-2009-0206. The public comment period ends September 6, 2011.

Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times
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