Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)

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 engine cut-off switch. The lanyard of the switch must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.

The new federal rule that went into effect in April 2021 applies to only federally navigable waters such as the following:

• Tennessee River and its impoundments
• Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway
• Coastal waters including the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and all navigable tributaries, creeks, and branches
• Chattahoochee River up to Eufaula
• Alabama River up to a certain point