Boating Safety
4.4
direction, boat speed, boat maintenance, and a multitude
of other variables. Therefore, CO prevention and detec-
tion should be top of mind.
4.2.2 What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide is a highly poisonous gas formed by the
combination of carbon and oxygen. Commonly referred
to as CO, its chemical formula is C for carbon and O for
oxygen. CO is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas
that, by itself, cannot be detected by human senses. CO
diffuses in the air much more rapidly than other gasses
that are detectable by the human senses. The weight of
CO is about the same as air so it does not rise or fall like
other gasses but will distribute itself throughout the boat.
CO is produced any time a material containing carbon is
burned. In boating, these materials include, but are not
limited to, gasoline, diesel fuel, or propane. All carbon
based fuels produce varying amounts of CO, depend-
ing on their carbon content. Gasoline is high in carbon
and, therefore, produces higher levels of CO. However,
the exhaust of all engines and generators as well as any
open flame device, produce CO and the same precau-
tions should be taken regardless of the type of fuel.
4.2.3 How Carbon Monoxide Can Enter Your Boat
Any device that burns fuel creates Carbon Monoxide. For
example, a propane cook-top or a space heater are both
potential sources for CO. But the most serious danger
comes from the engines and generators aboard your own
and neighboring boats. There are four basic ways that
CO can enter your boat from a running engine or genera-
tor. See "Know the Dangers" page for details.
4.2.4 Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Most important is to know the causes, study the symp-
toms, and be trained in emergency care. This is the best
way to avoid, understand, and respond to any Carbon
Monoxide emergency
One or more of the following symptoms can signal the
adverse effects of Carbon Monoxide accumulation. The
order of this list is generally the sequence of symptoms.
However, the number of symptoms and the order of their
appearance may change for different people.
Watering and Itching eyes
Tightness in the chest
Flushed Appearance
Ringing in the ears
Throbbing Temples
Inattentiveness
Convulsions
Drowsiness
Headache
Dizziness
Vomiting
Collapse
Nausea
Fatigue
4.2.5 Effects of Carbon Monoxide
When inhaled, Carbon Monoxide is absorbed by the
lungs and reacts with the blood hemoglobin to form
carbon hemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen carrying
capacity of the blood. The result is a lack of oxygen
for the tissues, causing subsequent tissue death and, if
prolonged, death of the individual. Carbon Monoxide in
high concentrations can be fatal in a matter of minutes.
Even lower concentrations must not be ignored because
the affects of exposure to CO are cumulative and can
be just as lethal. Certain health related problems and
age increases the effects of CO. People who smoke or
are exposed to high concentrations of cigarette smoke,
consume alcohol, or have lung or heart disorders are
particularly susceptible to an increase in the effects from
CO. However, the health of all of the boat’s occupants
should be considered. Physical exertion accelerates the
rate at which the blood absorbs CO. The early effects
of CO poisoning are easy to overlook because they are
similar to the effects of other boating related stress such
as eye strain, fatigue, sun exposure, seasickness, or
alcohol consumption. But, as the concentration of CO in
the air increases, it has increasingly adverse effects on
your health.
4.2.6 When Overcome by Carbon Monoxide
When someone falls victim to Carbon Monoxide poison-
ing, fast and responsive action is crucial. Know the symp-
toms. The earlier the effects of CO are detected, the
better the chances for recovery. The following list shows
the sequences of events that must be done in an effort
to revive a CO victim: Evacuate, Ventilate, Investigate,
Treat.
Complete the Carbon Monoxide poisoning action
sequence:
Move the victim to fresh air.•
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