'Kill cord' warning

A tragic accident in the UK has prompted the South Australian government to issue a warning regarding the use of kill cords on vessels such as rigid inflatables (RIBs), tenders and small powercraft used by kids.

Kill cords are attached to the driver’s wrist and the kill switch so that if the driver of the vessel is ejected, the engine is instantly shut down.

In a tragic UK accident last year, a family of six were thrown from their RIB during a sharp turn. As the driver did not have the kill cord attached, the unmanned boat continued to circle the family striking them a number of times. The father and one of the daughters were killed and the mother and another child suffered “life altering” injuries.

The report from the UK government's Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) said the owners did not have a "good understanding" of how the boat, which can travel at more than 50mph (43 knots), would perform in a high-powered turn. It said the couple, who had undertaken Royal Yachting Association powerboat training, were also unaware of the hazards of their children standing or sitting in the front of the RIB.

During trials investigators found that the boat had "some undesirable handling characteristics in certain circumstances".

But the report concluded: "This accident had fatal consequences because the driver was not wearing a kill cord."

Following the investigation, UK authorities advised the following safety precautions:
>> The driver should ensure they are always attached to the kill cord if one is fitted
>> Drivers should ensure they have adequate RIB experience out on the water as these vessels react differently from others
>> Occupants should remain seated, holding on towards the back when boats are travelling at high speeds

The SA government said that in South Australia the popularity of the vessels is increasing. There are now 624 inflatable vessels registered in the state (both rigid based and inflated base).

But the kill cord warning applies equally to all small outboard-powered boats, those be driven one-up, across bars, and to outboard-engine boating in general.