How To Protect
Yourself and Others
Follow these simple steps to help keep CO from poisoning
you, your passengers and others nearby:
• Know where and how CO may accumulate in and around
your boat. This is particularly important when starting or
running engines in boathouses, or near a sea wall. Boats
that are moored in close proximity are also potential
problems as the fumes from your boat or another boat can
affect air drafts on all boats. Back drafting sometimes called
the “station wagon effect” occurs when the fumes curl
up over the swim platform and transom and into the boat,
especially when canvas or other coverings trap the fumes.
Even in open air, consider wind direction, the boat’s speed
and trim angles.
• Maintain fresh air circulation throughout the boat at all
times. CO concentration is greater when the engine is cold.
Ensure the boat is situated to take advantage of maximum
dissipation of fumes.
• If your boat is equipped with a generator, know where the
exhaust outlet(s) is located and keep everyone away from
the area.
• Perform routine checks on air conditioning, heater,
generator, and other on-board appliances to ensure that they
are properly maintained and are not ermitting CO fumes.
Failure to do so can result in the accumulation of CO fumes.
• Never sit, platform surf, or hang on the back deck or swim
platform while the engine is running. Platform surfing is
NEVER a safe activity.
• Never move into areas under swim platforms where
exhaust outlets are located unless the area has been
properly ventilated.
• Operation of boats at mile-high (5,280 ft.) or higher altitudes
may affect CO production. Check with an authorized Aviara
dealer before operating at higher altitudes to determine
whether the engine may require additional tuning to prevent
excessive CO.
• Although CO can be present without the smell of exhaust
fumes, if you smell exhaust fumes, CO is also present. Take
immediate action to dissipate these fumes.
• Treat symptoms of seasickness as possible CO
poisoning. Get the person(s) into fresh air immediately.
Seek medical attention.
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