iLearnToBoat Final Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A lanyard-type engine cut-off switch is a crucial safety feature on personal watercraft (PWC). This mechanism is designed to shut off the engine in case the operator falls off or is thrown from the PWC, preventing the vessel from continuing to operate uncontrollably.

By attaching the lanyard to the operator's personal flotation device (PFD), the operator ensures that they remain connected to the PWC even if they are thrown off. This connection allows the cut-off switch to activate and stop the engine automatically, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and potential injuries.

Using the lanyard correctly enhances safety while operating a PWC, as it ensures that the vessel is not left running without a operator in control. Other options—such as attaching the lanyard to the boat's engine or keeping it detached—would not ensure the necessary functionality of the cut-off switch during operation. Keeping the lanyard in a storage compartment would also negate its purpose entirely, as it would not be accessible or functional in an emergency.