Propeller strike injuries are the injuries that happen when something outside or someone/something within the water strike the propeller. Propeller strike injuries can be mild or they can lead up to serious damage i.e. deep cuts, or something more worse like broken bones etc. It happens because the propeller consists of very sharp blades that spin very fast and when something comes into contact with them, while they are working, then serious outcomes are encountered. Therefore, propeller strike injuries must be prevented. This can be done with the help of instruments already present on the boat.
- Most important piece of equipment in preventing propeller strike injuries:
Engine cutoff switch (ECS) is the most important instrument in the boat that can prevent propeller strike injuries. It is also named “Kill switch” or “Safety lanyard”. It is present in every boat because it is a part of high significance.
- Working:
Engine cutoff switch works in a simple manner. There is a cord or lanyard that connects the Engine cutoff switch and the boat’s operator or the captain of the boat. This helps in regulation in a way that if the operator of the boat, due to some unwelcomed circumstances, falls overboard then the cord is also misplaced that makes the engine to stop. Suddenly the engine stops working and the boat is stopped.
- Significance:
ECS is very significant because it makes the engine stop working. By making the engine to stop its work, it prevents some bad injury from happening. It works in a way that if the engine is not stopped suddenly then it might hurt the person who has fallen overboard because the propellers has sharp blades that can badly damage anyone. Therefore, it is of high importance in the boating purposes and safety matters.
- Preventive Measures:
There are some extra preventive measures that must be taken into account for safe boating purposes. These preventive measures are described as follow:
- Whenever boating, the lanyard, that is connected to the engine cutoff switch, must be worn. It provides security not only to oneself but to others also.
- If someone else falls overboard and the lanyard is connected to you then it is your duty to immediately turn off the engine. The engine’s movement must be stopped to prevent any further damages.
- Everyone in the boat must be made well aware of the circumstances and they must be advised to keep a safe distance from the propeller even if they think that they can manage themselves.
- Conclusion:
To sum up, the damage happened by the incudents can vary with the nature of the incidents. Keeping everyone knowledgeable of all the facts can be of significance for sure. Everyone should also be responsible for the safety of others e.g. if you fell overboard then they must also turn off the engine in no time. So, nutual efforts are needed to carry out any function properly.