Kill cord safety guide for powerboats: how to use a kill cord correctly

A kill cord is a coiled red lanyard fitted with a quick release mechanism. The device consists of a quick-release fitting at one end and a clip at the other. The cord is coiled in its design so that it can expand and allow for natural movement whilst helming a boat.

Kill cords are also known as engine cut-off switches or safety lanyards, and they serve as a crucial safety device for anyone operating an open powerboat.

The primary purpose of a kill cord is safety – both for you and others on the water. When used correctly, a kill cord will stop a boats engine if the driver becomes dislodged from the helm position. Proper use of the device can prevent serious incidents and even fatalities.

Key reasons to always wear your kill cord:

Prevents runaway boats: If you fall overboard or are thrown from the helm position, the kill cord will immediately cut the engine, preventing the boat from continuing unmanned at speed.

Protects passengers and crew: The risks to you, your family and people in other boats and ashore are huge if a boat continues running without a driver.

Emergency engine stop: Detaching the kill cord also allows the crew or passengers to stop the engine if the driver is incapacitated or unconscious at the helm.

Think of it as insurance: As one expert puts it, think of a kill cord and a life jacket as an insurance policy. Yes, they cost; yes, we’d rather not use them; but in the ‘one in a million’ chance we need them they’ll be the best investment you and your family ever make.

Prevents runaway boats: If you fall overboard or are thrown from the helm position, the kill cord will immediately cut the engine, preventing the boat from continuing unmanned at speed.

Protects passengers and crew: The risks to you, your family and people in other boats and ashore are huge if a boat continues running without a driver.

Emergency engine stop: Detaching the kill cord also allows the crew or passengers to stop the engine if the driver is incapacitated or unconscious at the helm.

Think of it as insurance: As one expert puts it, think of a kill cord and a life jacket as an insurance policy. Yes, they cost; yes, we’d rather not use them; but in the ‘one in a million’ chance we need them they’ll be the best investment you and your family ever make.

The kill cord operates on a simple but effective principle:

1. Connection: When in use, the quick-release fitting is attached to the console and the clip is attached to the driver
2. Normal operation: The coiled design allows you to move naturally while helming the boat
3. Emergency activation: Should the driver move away or be thrown from the helm position, the kill cord will detach from the console causing the engine to stop
4. Engine restart prevention: In most instances a boat will not start without a kill cord in place

Correct attachment points:

• On a powerboat the kill cord should be fastened around the leg above the driver’s knee or thigh and clipped back onto itself
• Note the correct fitting of the kill cord around the driver’s leg. NOT around the wrist

Important safety considerations:

• Your kill cord should always be clipped back onto itself. It should not be clipped back onto an item of clothing or attached to any other location
• If it’s around your wrist, it can easily slip off if you’re ejected. The same can occur if the cord is wrapped below your knee
• Avoid attaching the lanyard to your clothing or your life jacket as it can snag on the wheel

When to wear it:

• A kill cord must be worn by the driver whenever the engine is running
• If you need to leave the command position, or change driver, always turn the engine off. The engine should only be re-started when the kill cord has been secured to a new driver

Daily Testing

Always test your kill cord at the start of each day or session. Do this by starting the engine and pulling the kill cord to make sure it cuts the engine.

Maintenance and Storage

• Kill cords should be protected from the elements. Over time, extremes in temperature and UV light will harm the lanyard
• Monitor your kill cord for signs of wear, rust, and reduced elasticity. Make sure to replace it in good time before returning to the water
• Stretched, frayed or UV-damaged kill cords should always be replaced

Quality and Replacement

• When replacing kill cords, purchase a good quality lanyard with a strengthening cord through the middle
• Manufacturers own products are recommended as replacements as they are guaranteed to fit properly and so always work when needed
• Do not extend the length of a kill cord provided by engine manufacturer as longer kill cords are not as taut as shorter ones, taking longer to react in emergency situations

Spare Kill Cord

A second kill cord should always be kept onboard to re-start a boat if both the driver and their cord fall overboard. Carrying a spare kill cord that is easily available to other crew on board makes real sense too.

Wireless Kill Cords

Modern technology has introduced wireless alternatives to traditional kill cords. Example:

• MOB+ from Fell Marine in the US, with this wireless kill cord you can start your engine, walk about doing any last-minute jobs, cast off your lines and then drive off safely
• The system has a 15m range and can transmit through decks and bulkheads, presenting no problems when going below or walking about on deck
• As an alternative to the traditional red lanyard, wireless kill cords are also available. This type of kill cord will stop the engine when a personal device on the helm’s person, is out of range from a sensor

Electronic Kill Cords

Advanced systems like the Lifecord provide additional safety features:

• Lifecord, a simple and cost-effective kill cord product that can be fitted to any kill switch, by anybody, that will not let you drive off with it dangling at your feet
• These systems use alarms and sensors to ensure the kill cord is properly attached before allowing engine operation

1. Wrong attachment point: Never attach around your wrist or below the knee
2. Using damaged cords: Don’t use stretched, frayed, or UV-damaged kill cords
3. Extended length cords: Stick to manufacturer specifications for cord length
4. Attaching to clothing: This can cause the cord to snag or detach unexpectedly

• Always wear your kill cord when the engine is running
• Attach it properly around your thigh or knee, never your wrist
• Test it daily before heading out
• Maintain and replace when showing signs of wear
• Keep a spare onboard for emergencies
• Turn off the engine when changing drivers or leaving the helm