Boating Safety
4.9
Mild
Exposure
100 – 400 PPM
(parts per million)
causes headaches and
fatigue resembling the flu.
Medium
exposure
400 – 800 PPM causes severe headaches,
drowsiness, nausea, and
rapid heart rate.
Extreme
exposure
over 800 PPM results in unconscious-
ness, convulsions, heart
or respiratory failure, and
death.
Many reported cases of Carbon Monoxide poisoning
determined that, while victims are aware they are not
well, they become so disoriented they are unable to
save themselves by either exiting the building or calling
for assistance. Also, children and pets may be affected
first.
Carbon Monoxide gas is produced when any type of fuel
is incompletely burned. Fuel burning engines and appli-
ances (furnace, fireplace, oven, stove, water heater, etc.)
also space heaters, gas and charcoal grills produce CO.
Extended operation of unvented fuel burning appliances
(range, oven, fireplace, etc.) can build up high CO lev-
els.
CO alarms will only indicate the presence of Carbon
Monoxide gas at the sensor. Carbon Monoxide gas
may be present in other areas. To reduce the risk of
Carbon Monoxide poisoning, test the alarm’s opera-
tion after the boat has been in storage, before each
trip, and once a week during use.
DO NOT attempt to test the alarm by any other
means than by using the Test/Reset button.
DO NOT attempt to produce CO to test the alarm. The
Test/Reset button tests all functions of the alarm and is
the only safe way to be sure the alarm is working prop-
erly.
Actuation of your CO alarm indicates the presence
of Carbon Monoxide (CO) which will KILL YOU!
How else to protect your passengers from Carbon
Monoxide
Ensure alarms are installed properly. Carefully read and
follow ALL the instructions in this manual. Test your unit
every week. Alarms that do not work do not alert you to
the presence of Carbon Monoxide.
Make regular visual inspections of all fuel burning equip-
ment including gas water heaters, kitchen gas stoves,
space heaters, gas dryers, or other pilots. Check the
color of the flame! The color should be blue.
Make regular visual inspections of the engine and gen-
erator exhaust systems. Cracked exhaust systems can
allow Carbon Monoxide to enter the living area.
Professionally maintain your engine and generator.
Although all fuel burning engines and generators produce
Carbon Monoxide, a poorly tuned engine and generator
will produce relatively more.
4.4 Other Potential Dangers
4.4.1 Weather
Storms rarely appear without advanced notice. Check
the weather forecast before you begin a day of boating.
Be aware, however, that weather conditions can change
rapidly. If you have a marine radio, listen to the weather
reports issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and others. If you
have a portable radio, keep it tuned to a station broad-
casting frequent weather reports. Many boating clubs fly
weather signals. Learn to recognize these signals and
listen to your local forecasts before leaving port.
Your surroundings can also be a good indicator of chang-
ing weather conditions. Watch for changes in wind direc-
tion or cloud formations. There is no substitute for a good
understanding of weather conditions and what to do
when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
See Figure 4.4, Lighting Storm Warning, for an explana-
tion of the dangers of lightning strikes, with an overview
of your protection area.
Refer to the Chapman's Manual for instructions and pre-
cautions in operating a craft in adverse weather condi-
tions.
4.4.2 Fog
You can judge the likelihood of fog formation by peri-
odically measuring the air temperature and the dew point
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