Safe Boating Facts About the Silent Killer - CO - Carbon Monoxide
from the California Department of Boating and Waterways
Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil, burns. Sources on your boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Cold or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines.
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and mixes evenly with the air. It enters your bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning-irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness-are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very short exposure to high concentrations can lead to death.
Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most incidents occur on older boats and within the cabin or other enclosed areas. Exhaust leaks, the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide, can allow carbon monoxide to migrate throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. When an engine or generator is running, the rear of the boat is an unsafe area. Teak surfing or dragging behind a boat is dangerous and a violation of California law. Regular maintenance, proper boat operation and safety awareness can reduce the risk of injury from carbon monoxide.
What To Do:
* Educate family and friends about carbon monoxide so they are always aware of what the early poisoning signs are.
*If your boat has rear-vented generator exhaust, check with the boat manufacturer for possible recall or reroute the exhaust to a safe area.
* Apply the decals included with your boat registration to your motorized vessel. Place the smaller "warning" decal on the interior of the vessel where it is immediately visible to the operator (near the helm). Place the larger "danger" decal facing out on the exterior of the stern or transom of the vessel (near the swim platform) unless the vessel is inflatable and the decal would not adhere to the surface of the stern.
* Assign an adult to watch whenever anyone is swimming or playing in the water.
* Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.
* Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces. When possible, run the boat so that prevailing winds will help dissipate the exhaust.
* Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness. intoxication, or heat stress. If someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
* Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check detectors before each trip to be sure they are functioning properly. If the detector goes off, believe it!
All carbon monoxide poisonings are preventable!