In December, the U.S. Congress passed the Frank Lobiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, which includes a provision requiring boat and engine manufacturers, distributors and dealers to install engine cutoff switches on new boats “less than 26 feet overall in length and capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust.” The requirement pertains to inboards, outboards and sterndrives. The switches must meet American Boat and Yacht Council standards.

Additionally, for owners who document their boats with the Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center, the length of time the certificate will be valid increased from one year to five years.