Which safety measure should be followed to reduce the risk of propeller injuries when the engine is running?

Which safety measure should be followed to reduce the risk of propeller injuries when the engine is running?

• A. Wear a life jacket at all times
• B. Stand directly behind the propeller guard
• C. Wear a boat cut-off engine lanyard if equipped
• D. Ignore engine shutdown procedures

Answer: (C)

Preventing propeller injuries hinges on having a quick way to stop the propeller if someone is near the stern. A boat cut-off engine lanyard, if the boat is equipped with one, pulls the ignition shutoff when the operator moves away from the controls or falls overboard, stopping the engine and reducing the chance of a deadly strike. While a life jacket is essential for overall safety, it doesn’t prevent contact with a turning propeller. Standing behind a guard or ignoring shutdown procedures can still put you at risk, so use the lanyard whenever available and keep clear of the propeller whenever the engine is running.

Preventing propeller injuries hinges on having a quick way to stop the propeller if someone is near the stern. A boat cut-off engine lanyard, if the boat is equipped with one, pulls the ignition shutoff when the operator moves away from the controls or falls overboard, stopping the engine and reducing the chance of a deadly strike. While a life jacket is essential for overall safety, it doesn’t prevent contact with a turning propeller. Standing behind a guard or ignoring shutdown procedures can still put you at risk, so use the lanyard whenever available and keep clear of the propeller whenever the engine is running.