Boating Safety
4.5
Administer oxygen if available. If the victim is not
breathing, perform artificial resuscitation per approved
CPR procedures until medical help arrives and takes
over. Prompt action can mean the difference between
life and death.
Ventilate the area.
Investigate the source of CO and take corrective
action.
As always, you can contact the Red Cross to obtain infor-
mation for training in CPR or emergency response care.
4.2.7 How to Minimize the Accumulation of Carbon
Monoxide
Practice good inspection and maintenance habits. Be
certain hull exhaust outlets are not blocked or restricted
in any way.
Be alert for exhaust gasses from other boats. Always
provide adequate ventilation when weather enclosures
are in place and engines or generator is running.
Do not run with a high bow angle. Use trim tabs or redis-
tribute the load to maintain a low bow angle. Orient your
boat to maximize the dispersion of CO.
We cannot identify or describe every possible variable or
combination of variables, you must continually observe
passengers for symptoms or Carbon Monoxide intoxica-
tion and be aware of the many possibilities of Carbon
Monoxide accumulation. For instance, poorly maintained
hoses and hose connections on the generator or engine
exhaust systems can permit Carbon Monoxide to escape
into the interior of your boat. Therefore, the exhaust sys-
tem must be periodically examined and maintained in
order to ensure its integrity. Moreover, all accommodation
spaces constantly require proper ventilation.
4.2.8 Preventative Maintenance
Frequent inspections and proper maintenance of the
engine and exhaust systems as well as proper ventilation
of your boat are critical in preventing the accumulation
of Carbon Monoxide. It is the owner’s responsibility to
make sure the entire boat is inspected and maintained
against CO.
The exhaust systems of your engine and generator are
under constant attack from salt water, gasses, vibra-
tion, and normal wear. Inspect every exhaust system
component often. Start with a visual inspection. Check
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each joint for discoloration, carbon buildup, stains, water
leaks, or other signs of damage. Inspect all metal parts
for corrosion, discoloration, or flaking. Check that all
hose clamps are in good condition and properly tight-
ened. Carefully inspect all exhaust and cooling hoses for
signs of wear, dry rot, cracking, discoloration, chafing, or
swelling. If any of these conditions exist, have the entire
system inspected and corrected by a qualified technician
before starting the engines or generator.
Next, start each engine and generator one at a time.
Follow the full run of the exhaust system, listening and
looking for leaks. While doing this, make sure there is
adequate ventilation and that your CO detector is on.
Other items to inspect are as follows: If your boat has
access panels, check that the access panels around
the engine and exhaust are in place and fit snugly to
minimize the opportunity for CO to enter the cabin. There
should be no large openings where CO could enter the
cabin. Ensure that all ventilation systems are in good
working order and are not blocked or punctured. Check
all sink drains to assure that they have a good water trap
to prevent CO from coming in from the outside.
Finally, because poorly running engines produce exces-
sive CO, make sure engines and generators are tuned
up. They should run smoothly and not produce black
smoke. The spark plugs (gas engines) and ignition sys-
tems should be maintained regularly, and the fuel system
and air filters should be in good order.
4.2.9 Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you carefully avoid potential CO accumulation and
maintain your systems properly, you will have made great
strides towards protecting yourself and others from the
dangers of Carbon Monoxide. We have assisted you in
your endeavor by providing CO detectors in each living
area aboard your boat. We only use CO detectors that
are UL approved for marine use. RV and residential mod-
els won’t withstand the elements of the boating environ-
ment. Most CO detectors require specific maintenance
procedures to remain accurate and functional. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the use and maintenance
of the CO detectors.
It is strongly recommended that you change CO (if
applicable) and Smoke alarm batteries when changing
the clocks for Daylight-Saving Time. Replace Smoke
alarms every 10 years and replace Carbon Monoxide
(CO) alarms every 5 years since the sensors in these
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