HOW TO PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING ON BOATS

Carbon Monoxide is a potentially deadly gas produced any time a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, propane or oil, is burned. Sources of carbon monoxide on your boat include gasoline engines, generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Because carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to detect, this gas is known as the silent killer. Carbon monoxide can collect within, alongside or behind a vessel in minutes, so it's imperative that boaters know what kind of situations to avoid.

Odorless, colorless and tasteless, harmful levels of carbon monoxide often go undetected until it's too late. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning - irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness - are typically confused with seasickness or intoxication. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of carbon monoxide, or even short exposure to high concentrations, can be fatal.

Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Most incidents occur on older boats and vessels that are not properly maintained. Engines are also more likely to produce dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide when they are cold than when they're warmed up. The majority of carbon monoxide poisoning cases occur within enclosed areas such as cabins, when exhaust leaks (the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide) migrate inside. Carbon monoxide poisoning can also happen outside the cabin, however. There has been an increase in reports of swimmers and tubers exposed to dangerous pockets of carbon monoxide under rear decks and platforms, emitted from running generators and engines.

Regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce the risk of injury from carbon monoxide. Additionally, there are high quality carbon monoxide detectors available that can help provide early detection. Being aware of potentially hazardous carbon monoxide hazards is also crucial. In an effort to increase boater awareness and safety, the National Safe Boating Council points out the following carbon monoxide danger zones.

Avoid swimming near or under the back deck/swim platform of a boat. Carbon monoxide from the exhaust pipes of inboard engines, outboard motors and generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. Stay away from these exhaust vent areas, and DO NOT swim in such areas when the engine or generator is operating. On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one or two breaths of air in this death chamber for it to be fatal.

Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin and cockpit area even when hatches, windows, portholes and doors are closed.

Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached or anchored alongside your boat, can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit of your craft. Even with properly vented exhaust, your boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.

Running at slow speeds or idling can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, even in an open area. A tailwind (force of wind entering from the aft section of a motorboat) can also increase accumulation.

The station wagon effect, or backdrafting, can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge. This usually occurs when operating the boat at a high bow angle with improper or heavy loading, or when there's an opening that that draws in exhaust.

The station wagon effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit, aft deck and bridge when protective coverings are being used and the boat is underway.

Teak surfing, dragging and water skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft can also result in a fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

Note: The information above was provided by the National Safe Boating Council, and reprinted courtesy of the American Boating Association (ABA). For additional information, please visit the Boating Safety section of the ABA Web site, www.americanboating.org.