Engine Cut-off Switches – public consultation
Apr 11, 2023
Again, Transport Canada is looking at further regulation of boating. Now the focus is on Engine Cut-off Switches. Currently, Canada only requires engine cut-off switches be installed on personal watercraft, but engine manufacturers and boat builders have been installing the switches on vessels for years due to their safety benefits.
However, there are times and circumstances where wearing an Engine Cut-off Switch tether is not practical, or even can become its own safety hazard.
Transport Canada has a website called “Let’s Talk Transportation” and there, they have officially launched a consultation on proposed requirements for engine cut-off switches on certain small vessels.
What our Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest readers will find interesting is that many people have left comments that are accessible to read. You can also add to those conversations if you desire.
Overall, I would judge that a majority are in favour of having engine cut-off switches, (but virtually every new boat in the last twenty years has been equipped with them anyway) and a majority are opposed to mandatory wear. It seemed almost universal that older vessel not be required to be retro-fitted.
The consultation is available until May 19, 2023 and can be accessed at this link https://letstalktransportation.ca/lets-talk-engine-cut-off-switches?tool=forum_topic#tool_tabk . This consultation also includes a survey that can be accessed at the link.
Your views and opinions are an important part in the development of this policy.
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please direct them to MSSRegulations-ReglementsSSM@tc.gc.ca .
