Abstract: An improved control system is disclosed for air actuated ahead and astern clutches, an engine speed governor, and a propeller shaft brake of a marine propulsion system. The control is actuated by a throttle lever which is moved from a neutral position to select a direction of travel. The degree of movement of the throttle lever from neutral is representative of the desired speed in the selected direction. The improved control engages the brake when the throttle lever is moved from an ahead to an astern direction at medium or high forward speeds. When such a change is commanded, a pair of serially connected brake valves are piloted to connect the brake to a source of air under pressure. One of the brake valves is piloted by an accumulated speed pressure signal indicating an ahead speed greater than a predetermined minimum and the other valve is piloted by the throttle signal commanding astern direction.