Prevention
Prevent carbon monoxide buildup by regularly
108 Symptoms and Treatment
checking for leaks at your engine and
generator exhaust systems and the seals
around your hatches and portholes. Following
are other suggestions to prevent CO
buildup.
• Check the ventilation of your alcohol
stove.
• Maintain your generators meticulously.
Carbon monoxide can leak from them
without your knowing it.
• Run your exhaust blowers while using
generators.
• Ensure a free fl ow of air from front to
back on a moving boat; avoid the station
wagon effect.
• When running, keep passengers clear of
the platform over engines or generator
exhaust unless there is a strong fl ow of air.
• Be cautious running engines or generators
when anchored, moored, or docked
unless there is a substantial breeze; do not
run generators overnight when stopped.
• Do not allow anyone in the water to
approach within 10 to 20 feet of the
engine or generator exhaust.
• Do not tow anyone close behind the boat
while underway.
• Check venting of stoves and other fuel
burning devices for leaks; keep the venting
clear.
• Beware of other boats in the vicinity with
engines or generators running; stay clear
or move.
Dangerous effects of carbon monoxide
can occur when a boat is at a marina dock,
anchored, or rafted with other boats. With
engines idling or generators running to
pro vide electricity, carbon monoxide can
easily drift into your boat from nearby vessels,
especially if your hatches or portholes
are open.
Section 11: Adverse Conditions and Emergencies 121
Table 11-4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Cause
Gas produced by burning fuels
blocks oxygen in bloodstream
Symptoms
Nausea, weakness
Watering eyes, ringing ears,
red skin
Light-headedness, headache
Drowsiness, unconsciousness
Death
Risk
Near exhaust—death in
minutes
On swim platform—
unconscious in minutes
Possible station wagon effect
in cockpit
Prevention
Need free fl ow of air thru boat
Keep clear of engine exhaust
Take care when running
engines when stopped
Keep swimmers away from
engines
Don’t tow close to boat when
pulling skiers
No “teak surfi ng”
Check exhaust systems for
leaks
Beware of other boats
Use CO alarms
Treatment
Victim must breathe fresh
air
If breathing stopped, perform
CPR
Get medical attention
Watch for relapse
CO Alarms
Marine-rated carbon monoxide (CO)
detectors are available that feature visible
and audio alarms. Their time-weighted CO
measurement process constantly monitors
all CO levels, eliminating most false alarms.
The circuit is coated on both sides for added
protection in the harsh marine environment.
These detectors should be considered
a vital part of your safety equipment.
• Install CO alarms in cockpit, cabin and
sleeping areas.
• Check periodically, keep vents clear
• Replace batteries regularly
• Do not rely solely on alarms, take all precautions
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Figure 11-5A.
Marine-rated CO
alarm