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CA620
Exhaust Emissions
Be Alert To Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines including the outboards,
stern drives and inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the generators that power various boat
accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which should not be confused with seasickness or intoxication,
include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
WARNING
Avoid the combination of a running engine and poor ventilation. Prolonged exposure to carbon mon-
oxide in sufficient concentration can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage or death.
GOOD VENTILATION
Ventilate passenger area, open side curtains, or forward hatches to remove fumes.
1 Example of desired air flow through the boat.
CA643
POOR VENTILATION
Under certain running and/or wind conditions, permanently enclosed or canvas enclosed cabins or cockpits with
insufficient ventilation may draw in carbon monoxide. Install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in your
boat.
Although the occurrence is rare, on a very calm day, swimmers and passengers in an unclosed area of a
stationary boat that contains or is near a running engine may be exposed to a hazardous level of carbon
monoxide.
2 Examples of poor ventilation while boat is stationary:
A Running the engine when the boat is moored in a confined space.
B Mooring close to another boat that has its engine running.
3 Examples of poor ventilation while boat is moving:
A Running the boat with the trim angle of the bow too high.
B Running the boat with no forward hatches open (station wagon effect).
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