Safety Equipment
9-3
Section 9
C238
Remember, the boat operator carries the
ultimate responsibility to make sure the boat
is properly ventilated and passengers are
not exposed to dangerous levels of CO. Be
alert to the symptoms and early warning
signs of carbon monoxide.
CO detectors are very reliable and rarely
sound false alarms. If the alarm sounds, DO
NOT think it is false. If anyone has been
exposed to CO, move them into fresh air
immediately. Never disable the CO detector
because you think the alarm may be false.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of
combustion, is invisible, tasteless, odorless
and is produced by all engines and most
heating and cooking appliances. It exists
wherever fuels are burned to generate
power or heat. The most common sources of
CO on boats are combustion engines, auxil-
iary generators and propane or butane
stoves.
These produce large amounts of CO and
should never be operated while sleeping.
High concentrations of CO can be fatal
within minutes. Many cases of CO poisoning
indicate that while victims are aware they
are not well, they become so disoriented
they are unable to save themselves by either
exiting the area or calling for help. Also,
young children, elderly persons and pets
may be the first affected. Drug or alcohol use
increases the effect of CO exposure. Individ-
uals with cardiac or respiratory conditions
are very susceptible to the dangers of CO.
CO poisoning is especially dangerous during
sleep while victims are unaware of any side
effects.
Low levels of CO over an extended period of
time can be just as lethal as high doses over
a short period. Therefore, low levels of CO
can cause the alarm to sound before per-
sons notice any symptoms.
Contact the detector manufacturer, the Pur-
suit Customer Relations Department or your
local fire department for assistance in finding
and correcting the situation.
In certain situations, boats can have a prob-
lem due to the “station wagon effect” where
engine exhaust fumes are captured in the
vessel by 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 that are underway should
close all aft facing portholes, hatches and
doors. The forward facing deck hatches
should be open whenever possible to help
pressurize living spaces of the boat. Sleep-
ing, particularly in aft cabins, should not be
permitted while underway. Proper ventilation
must be maintained on the bridge deck by
opening a forward window or windshield to
drive fumes away from the occupants. The
canvas drop or aft curtain must be removed
and side curtains should be opened or
removed to increase airflow and maintain
proper ventilation whenever the engines are
running.
DO NOT operate the engines with side cur-
tains closed and the aft or drop curtain
installed.
Use extreme caution while anchored or in a
slip and an auxiliary power generator is
operating. Calm wind nights can easily allow
fumes to enter the boat. Inspect the exhaust
systems of propulsion and the auxiliary gen-
erators, if equipped, frequently for possible
leaks. High concentrations of CO in your
boat can originate from an adjacent boat
through open hatches or windows.
Failure to properly ventilate the boat while
the engines are running can cause CO to
accumulate within the cabin. Make sure to
ventilate the boat and to avoid CO from
accumulating in the boat whenever an
engine is running.
Read the book entitled, "Sportfish, Cruisers,
Yachts - Owner's Manual" and the owner's
manual supplied by the CO detector manu-
facturer for additional information regarding
the hazards and symptoms of CO gas, CO
poisoning and operation instructions. If you
did not receive these manuals, contact the
Pursuit Customer Relations Department.
Many manufacturers of carbon monoxide
detectors offer a testing and recertification
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