3000 EXPRESS
8-2
8.3 Carbon Monoxide and Proper Ventilation
CARBON MONOXIDE IS A LETHAL, TOXIC GAS THAT IS COLORLESS AND ODORLESS.
IT IS A DANGEROUS GAS THAT WILL CAUSE DEATH IN CERTAIN LEVELS.
A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and is
produced by all engines, heating and cooking appliances. The most common sources of CO on
boats are gasoline engines, auxiliary generators and propane or butane stoves. These produce large
amounts of CO and should never be operated while sleeping. The hazard also may be created by
a boat nearby whose exhaust fumes are entering your boat. Boats also have a problem due to the
“station wagon effect” where engine exhaust fumes are captured in the vacuum or low pressure
area, usually the cockpit, bridge deck and cabin, that can be created by the forward speed of the
boat.
Boats underway should close all aft facing hatches and doors. The forward facing deck hatches
should be open whenever possible to help pressurize the living spaces of the boat. No sleeping
in the cabin should be permitted while underway. Proper ventilation should be maintained on the
bridge deck by opening windshield vents, as far as possible to help pressurize the cockpit area. The
canvas drop or aft curtain must be removed and the side curtains should be opened or removed to
increase air flow and maintain proper ventilation whenever the engines are running. Under no
circumstances should the engines be operating with side curtains closed and the aft or drop
curtain installed.
Extreme caution must be taken while at anchor or in a slip when an auxiliary power generator is
operating. Wind still nights can easily allow exhaust fumes, containing high concentrations of CO,
from the generator on your boat or from an adjacent boat's generator to enter the boat. The exhaust
fumes may enter your boat through open hatches or windows.
A carbon monoxide detector has been installed in your cabin as standard equipment. While a CO
detector enhances your protection from CO poisoning, it does not guarantee it will not occur. Do
not use the carbon monoxide detector as a replacement for ordinary precautions or periodic
inspections of equipment. Never rely on alarm systems to save your life, common sense is still
prudent and necessary. Remember, the operator of the boat carries the ultimate responsibility to
make sure the boat is properly ventilated and the passengers are not exposed to dangerous levels
of carbon monoxide. You should always be alert to the symptoms and early warning signs of
carbon monoxide poisoning. You also should read the book entitled “Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts
- Owner's Manual” included with this manual, the “Carbon Monoxide Monitoring System” in the
“Safety Equipment” chapter of this manual, and the owner’s manual supplied by the CO detector
manufacturer for operation instructions and additional information regarding the hazards and
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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