Kill Switch Lanyards - USCG Reg

[David - WI]

Q12. Do I need to keep the Engine Cut-Off Switch Link attached at all times?

A12. No. The Engine Cut-Off Switch Link doesn’t need to be attached when the vessel is idling or performing docking maneuvers. The Engine Cut-Off Switch Link must be attached whenever the boat is operating on plane or greater than displacement speed

[WaterZebra]

That regulation only refers to boats being equipped with the system. The regulation clearly states the year of manufacture the builder had to start compliance.
The regulations for wearing the lanyard are set by each state.

Personally I do not care about regulations for PFDs or lanyards because I wear them by choice.
I am pretty much sure that wearing safety gear, Everyone on this site is pretty darn well set with their own safety protocol.
When I paddle my high performance carbon canoe I wear my vest all the time, that boat will spit you out whenever it chooses.
In my powerboats, I feel no need to wear the vest idling in a channel. But when my foot is on the throttle or the water is getting angry I have my gear on.

I wonder where lanyards fit in with the CA guy in a triple outboard CC managed to land on somebody's yard deck at night on the Lake of the Ozarks? Everybody (6?) was ejected and the center console tube frame acted like a roll cage. There were 2 individuals booked on DUI charges. I have no idea if the lanyard was part of the investigation? Lanyards and blow box ignition interlocks can't fix "stupid"..........

[David - WI]

It looked like that upside-down triple-outboard Nortech was over 26' long so... "recreational boats less than 26’ in length that have an Engine Cut-Off Device installed."