In an average year, approximately 200 to 250 non-fatal injuries are reported as a result of a person being struck by the propeller and/or propulsion unit of their boat. These non-fatal injuries are life changing. Further -- an additional 25 - 35 deaths are reported each year as a result of these accidents A variety of technologies are available that should be considered by recreational boaters when they are considering means for reducing the risk of propeller-related injuries while boating. An informational brochure is available (www.uscgboating.org) to help boaters understand the risk of propeller injury, and to provide safety tips. Propeller injury avoidance material is included in boating safety courses from the U.S. Power Squadrons, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as other boating organizations.

Propeller injury avoidance control technologies can be categorized as, guards, alternative propulsion, interlocks, and sensors. Each of these types of technology can be suitable in certain circumstances for particular types of boats. For example, propeller guards may be safely used in some circumstances, but are not universal solutions. In determining the efficacy of a guard device, the operator must consider hull type, propulsion characteristics, and boat operating environment. Other technology such as emergency cutoff switches, or ladder interlocks may be more appropriate for some vessels due to vessel type and usage. Rear-facing video cameras might be more appropriate for larger vessels with restricted fields of vision behind the boat, than for a smaller bow rider, or ski boat.

This article is intended to provide some examples of propeller injury avoidance control technology that boaters may wish to consider. Determination of which control technologies are appropriate to your circumstances can be a complex problem, and the alternatives should be carefully considered. There is no “one-size fits all” control that will successfully eliminate the risk of propeller injuries. Boaters must carefully review the options, and determine for themselves which devices make the most sense to their particular boating experience. Today’s technology can be applied to reduce the risk of propeller injury to recreational boaters.

The following listing of propeller injury control technologies has been gathered from manufacturer provided public source data available on the internet and through marketing information. This is a dynamic field, and some of the listed products may no longer be available. The listing is not all encompassing, and will from time-to-time be edited to make additions, deletions and changes as credible information becomes available. Listing a device below does not explicitly or implicitly imply any level of approval or recommendation by the U.S. Coast Guard. The list is merely being made available as an aid to boaters searching for information related to propeller injury avoidance.