Kill cords & launch safety

Following a recent incident involving a powerboat in Padstow, launch drivers are reminded of the importance of wearing a kill cord when operating a personal watercraft.

In a safety bulletin published on May 17th, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch urged people to remember the following advice:

• Test kill cords regularly to ensure that the engine stops when the kill cord mechanism is operated
• Make sure that the cord is in good condition
• Always attach the cord securely to the driver, ideally before the engine is started but certainly before the boat is put in gear
• Stop the engine before transferring the kill cord to another driver

More information about how to properly attach, use and maintain a kill cord is available on the RYA website, including posters to put up at your club: www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/safteytips/Pages/KillCord.aspx.