A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Boating and Boat Safety: Reduce the Odds of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas produced
when carbon-based fuels are burned. It is odorless,
tasteless, colorless, and can cause carbon monoxide
poisoning by entering the bloodstream through
the lungs and displacing oxygen levels in the
body.
Exposure
to CO can cause nausea, headaches,
dizziness, loss of mobility, and unconsciousness.
The symptoms can be mistaken for seasickness,
fatigue, or the flu. Common sources of CO emission
on a boat include the engine, generators, cooking
equipment, and heating appliances. Even when
the boat is equipped with a carbon monoxide
detector, the alarm is unlikely to be heard
over the engine noise.
How does carbon monoxide get onboard
a boat?
CO makes its way onto your boat in various ways.
One way is referred to as the “station
wagon" effect which occurs when a moving
boat creates a vacuum behind it that tends to
pull exhaust fumes back into the boat. This
occurrence is worsened when the wind is behind
the boat, and the boat is traveling slightly
faster than the wind is blowing. If the effect
is particularly threatening, alter your course
so that the wind is working to break the vacuum.
Carbon monoxide emission is more difficult to
detect in well-tuned gas engine boats than in
diesel-run boats because diesel fumes usually
have a much stronger odor.
Carbon monoxide is heavier than air and tends to collect in cabin spaces by entering through an open cabin door. Increase airflow throughout the cabin by leaving the rear cabin door ajar and by opening a window or hatch. Proper ventilation will clear the area of exhaust fumes. Like a car muffler, exhaust systems need frequent maintenance in order to detect possible leaks.
Tips to avoid carbon monoxide fumes when boating
- Inspect exhaust system regularly (every 50 hours of operation or every 90 days, whichever comes first)
- Repair any fume exhaust leak immediately
- Change the direction of the boat if engine fumes are coming onboard
- Install a carbon monoxide detector on gas-operated boats
Is it safe to sleep on a boat?
Most CO fatalities on boats occur when occupants
are asleep and gas generators are running. Unless
the exhaust system is positively secure and
a CO monitor is certified operational and in
place, for the most part, sleeping with a gas
generator running is dangerous. There must be
a constant flow of air throughout the cabin
while sleeping.
Should I install a CO monitor?
Carbon monoxide alarms are effective only when
they are checked regularly and maintained. Their
sensors can degrade after a fairly short period
of time, rendering them less accurate. Because
they are sensitive to contaminants, CO monitors
will often sound off at the slightest change
and not shut off. Like household fire detectors,
the tendency is to disconnect and forget about
them. Have the unit serviced by a qualified
firm at least twice a season, usually at the
beginning and end of the season to ensure their
proper function.
Reduce the odds of carbon monoxide poisoning from boats by taking preventative measures and practicing safety. Non-lethal cases of CO poisoning are debilitating, painful and often result in a certain degree of brain damage. Being aware of the risk factors and symptoms of CO poisoning is the best defense. Enjoy boating in a safer, more conscious way.
About the Author: Alexandria Haber is a freelance writer and is the head researcher and content manager for http://www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com/.