Alabama Boating Safety Course

It's the Law: Required Equipment
Other Equipment

Ignition Safety Switch

Lanyard attaching ignition safety switch to operator's wrist

  • An emergency ignition safety switch is designed to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown from the proper operating position.
  • A lanyard is attached to the safety switch and the operator’s wrist or PFD. The safety switch shuts off the engine if the operator falls off the PWC or out of the powerboat. If your vessel does not come equipped with an ignition safety switch, you should have one installed.
  • Alabama law requires that vessels that are less than 24 feet in length, have an open cockpit, and are powered by more than 50 horsepower be equipped with an ignition safety switch. The lanyard of the switch must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
Alabama Marine Police
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