What do you do to prevent propeller strikes?

What do you do to prevent propeller strikes?

• A. Keep the propeller guard engaged.
• B. Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding or disembarking.
• C. Run at full throttle to create a wake.
• D. Only operate in shallow water.

Answer: (B)

Turning off the engine during boarding or disembarking is the safest way to prevent a propeller strike. When the engine is off, the propeller cannot spin, so there’s no chance of a moving blade injuring someone as they step into or out of the boat. This simple step removes the primary risk you face around the stern area where people are most likely to be near the prop. Relying on a propeller guard isn’t enough by itself because guards can be damaged, have gaps, or fail to cover every moment people are near the prop. Running at full throttle creates a powerful, dangerous propeller and greatly increases the chance of a strike, while operating only in shallow water doesn’t remove the hazard of someone being near the prop or a misstep. So, always shut the engine off (and secure the key) when boarding or disembarking, and wait until the area is clear before restarting.

Turning off the engine during boarding or disembarking is the safest way to prevent a propeller strike. When the engine is off, the propeller cannot spin, so there’s no chance of a moving blade injuring someone as they step into or out of the boat. This simple step removes the primary risk you face around the stern area where people are most likely to be near the prop. Relying on a propeller guard isn’t enough by itself because guards can be damaged, have gaps, or fail to cover every moment people are near the prop. Running at full throttle creates a powerful, dangerous propeller and greatly increases the chance of a strike, while operating only in shallow water doesn’t remove the hazard of someone being near the prop or a misstep. So, always shut the engine off (and secure the key) when boarding or disembarking, and wait until the area is clear before restarting.