A safety and input/output (I/O) module of an engine controller for an engine set of a marine vessel can be physically distinct from an engine control unit (ECU). The safety and I/O module can include hardware in addition to software, firmware, or a combination thereof. The safety and I/O module can be a single logic controller having safety functionality and I/O functionality. The safety functionality can be for dynamic engine protection during operation of the engine set of the marine vessel. The I/O functionality can be for sending signals to components external to the engine controller and for receiving signals from components external to the engine controller.