engine, and exhaust system, as well as, other various
areas of your boat are critical in preventing the accumula-
tion of Carbon Monoxide. It is the owner’s responsibility
to make sure the entire boat is inspected and maintained
against CO.
The exhaust system of your engine is under constant
attack from salt water, gasses, vibration, and normal
wear. Inspect every exhaust system component often.
Start with a visual inspection. Check each joint for dis-
coloration, carbon buildup, stains, water leaks, or other
signs of damage. Inspect all metal parts for corrosion,
discoloration, or flaking. If any of these conditions exist,
have the entire system inspected and corrected by a
qualified technician before starting the engine.
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.
4.2.10 Carbon Monoxide Review
Everyone is at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning!
Particularly sensitive are children, pregnant women, the
elderly, and people with lung disease, heart disease, or
anemia!
WHY? Because Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, color-
less gas that prevents the blood from carrying oxygen
to the vital organs. CO (Carbon Monoxide) is 200 times
more likely to replace oxygen in the blood.
Check the symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in
this chapter (4.2.4) again right now, so you will be able to
recognize these symptoms should they ever arise.
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. Gasoline engines and fuel burn-
ing appliances (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.
4.3 Other Dangers
4.3.1 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.
Page 4.15 will explain the dangers of Lightning strikes,
with an overview of your protection area.
Refer to the Chapman's Manual for instructions and
precautions in operating a craft in heavy weather.
4.3.2 Fog
You can judge the likelihood of fog formation by peri-
odically measuring the air temperature and the dew point
temperature. If the difference between these two tem-
peratures is small, fog is likely to develop.
Foggy conditions include mist, snowstorm, or heavy
rain.
Avoid operation in such weather.
4.3.3 Remember these guidelines:
•
Boating Safety
4.6
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