Question

What is the purpose of a lanyard attached to an ignition safety switch??

Answer 1

So we want to know what is the purpose of a lanyard attached to a safety switch. So in case the operator falls overboard a safety switch is installed and connected to the operators hand or waist. Which ever is more practical. This safety switch turns off the motor. 

Answer 2

Answer:

To turn the engine off in a situation of pilot of person overboard.

Explanation:

Various safety laws have been implemented to prevent damage due to boats in case the person driving the boat goes overboard i.e. falls off the boat. One of these mandates the use of lanyard type cutoff switch with the lanyard tied to the wrist or clothes of the person driving the boat. In case the person goes overboard the engine will be cutoff as the lanyard will pull along the cutoff switch as well.