The safe use of killcords 

The RYA recommends that the kill cord be attached around your leg. It should not foul the steering or throttle controls.

We do not recommend extending the length of the killcord provided by the manufacturer of the engine. Its purpose is to prevent the helmsman moving away from the normal operating position either intentionally or by accident.

Top Tip for teaching good killcord discipline

When changing students, disconnect the kill cord at both ends and hand it to the next student. This will give them practice in attaching the lanyard to both themselves and the kill switch.

Plastic killcords

Plastic killcords have been known to fail.

On a powerboat course, during a demonstration to show that the killcord functioned correctly, it snapped. The engine was left running, and the instructor with a length of red plastic cord in his hand.

It was discovered that the red plastic spiral lanyard did not have a strengthening inner fibre cord running through it. Closer inspection identified that the cord had become brittle and slightly discoloured due to UV degradation.

The important lesson learnt from this incident is that it is essential to check the operation of the killcord at the start of each day or session.

Other general considerations:

• When replacing killcords, purchase a good quality lanyard with a strengthening cord through the middle
• Do not leave killcords out in the elements. Extremes of temperature and UV light will harm the lanyard in the long term
• If your lanyard has a fabric outer sheath, but has lost its spiral tension, it is advisable to replace it as it is possible that the inner strengthening cord may be damaged.