Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas produced
when carbon based fuel, such as diesel, gasoline, propane, charcoal,
or oil, burns.
Long periods of exposure to low concentrations or short periods
of exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide can result in
death or serious injury. Carbon monoxide in high concentrations can
be fatal in a matter of minutes.
To keep carbon monoxide levels at a minimum and prevent poisoning, regular maintenance and proper boat operation can reduce
the risk of injury.
Sources on a vessel that produce carbon monoxide include
gasoline or diesel engines, generators, fuel burning cooking
equipment, and space or water heaters.
The areas of concern for recreational boaters are the build
up of carbon monoxide emissions inside and outside the vessel.
Passengers, swimmers and teak/drag surfers should be aware of
the carbon monoxide levels that dissipate from rear vented
generator exhausts situated close to the rear deck and the swim
platform. Those in the water should not approach the area until
the motor generator has stopped running for at least 15
minutes.
(see the diagrams on the right where CO exits from an
operating rear exhaust vent under the swim platform or back
deck of a boat.)
Increased carbon monoxide levels could accumulate inside the
cabin, cockpit and bridge due to blocked exhaust outlets, or
the effects of back drafting when operating at a high bow angle
or with improper and heavy loading.
When idle or travelling at slow speeds, boats should be a
minimum of 6 metres from the nearest vessel that is running an
engine or generator alongside, to prevent exhaust fumes or
tailwinds increasing carbon monoxide levels.
Always keep forward facing hatches open to allow fresh air
to circulate the living spaces. When possible, operate the
vessel so that prevailing winds help dissipate emissions of the
exhaust in order to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide
in the cabin or cockpit.
Taking steps to correct rear venting generator exhausts of
manufacture designs is one step to prevent the build up of
carbon monoxide concentration, however scheduling regular
engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by trained
technicians is most beneficial. Cold and/or poorly tuned
engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned
engines.
Educate family, friends and boat passengers about carbon
monoxide so that they aware of the possible symptoms. Early
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include irritated eyes,
headache and dizziness. These should not be confused with the
flu, seasickness or intoxication.
Steps to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning:
- Find out where the exhaust outlets are located on your
vessel and ensure that they are properly vented away from
living areas.
- Install a CO detector alarm and test its operation
before each trip.
- Educate passengers on the symptoms of CO poisoning,
causes and areas to avoid.
- As part of the monthly maintenance check, inspect
components of the exhaust system and check the condition of
rubber hoses. Look for any signs of leaks in the exhaust
system including water leaks, rusts, corroded, cracked or
loosened fittings.
- As part of the annual maintenance check, have a
qualified marine technician clean, inspect and confirm
proper operation of the engine, generators and metallic
exhaust components. Replace any worn parts and ensure the
cooling systems are in proper working condition.
If you suspect someone may have carbon monoxide poisoning
contact your nearest emergency medical service.
Teak Surfing
The obvious thrill of teak surfing, also known as drag
surfing is the exciting pace of being pulled through the water
and swimming the waves. Teak surfing involves people body
surfing or taking hold of the swim platform of a vessel while
it is underway and then letting go to ride the waves created by
the vessel. It can also include water skiing within 20 feet of
a moving watercraft.
Teak surfing is a dangerous activity
because it positions the individual directly in path of
the vessel's exhaust vents where they
could breathe in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It
becomes a recipe for disaster, if the individual choses
not to wear their lifejacket, added to the threat of
possible propeller injury or drowning, if any
miscalculations cause the individual to be thrown.
As engines and generators are kept running to power the
vessel or while idle to support the air conditioning,
entertainment centres or electronic facilities, the
accumulation of carbon monoxide fumes can become hazardous to
the health of those persons near the exhaust vents.
Every safety precaution should be taken to prevent the
lethal combination of carbon monoxide fumes and teak surfing.
People should be discouraged to participate in this
activity.
References
US Coast Guard website http://www.uscgboating.org/ and their brochures on CO Poisoning.
State of California - Department of
Boating and Waterways brochure on CO Poisoning.
Click here for more information on CO Poisoning in the Boating
Handbook.
Safety Message Translations
Translations of key safety messages have been provided into
three languages: Chinese, Vietnamese, and Arabic. Select your
language below to view messages and listen to the audio
files.
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