HOW TO PROECT OTHERS & YOURSELF

You’re in command of your boating safety. Follow these simple steps to help keep carbon monoxide from poisoning you, your passengers, or those around others.

  • Know where and how CO may accumulate in and around your boat.
  • Maintain fresh air circulation throughout the boat at all times. Run exhaust blowers whenever the generator is operating.
  • Know where your engine and generator exhaust outlets are located and keep everyone away from these areas.
  • Never sit, teak surf, or hang on the back deck or swim platform while the engines are running. Teak surfing is NEVER a safe activity.
  • Never enter areas under swim platforms where exhaust outlets are located unless the area has been properly ventilated.
  • Treat symptoms of seasickness as possible CO poisoning. Get the person into fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention-unless you’re sure it’s not CO.
  • Install and maintain CO alarms inside your boat. Do not ignore any alarm. Replace alarms as recommended by the alarm manufacturer.
  • Follow the checklists provided on this website.
  • Get a Vessel Safety Check. A VSC is a free bow-to-stern safety examination.

For more information, visit the U.S. Coast Guard website, www.uscgboating.org.

WHERE CARBON MONOXIDE CAN ACCUMULATE

INADEQUATELY VENTILATED CANVAS ENCLOSURES.
EXHAUST GAS TRAPPED IN ENCLOSED PLACES.
BLOCKED EXHAUST OUTLETS.
ANOTHER VESSEL’S EXHAUST. CO FROM THE BOAT DOCKED NEXT TO YOU CAN BE JUST AS DEADLY.
“STATION WAGON EFFECT” OR BACK DRAFTING.
AT SLOW SPEEDS, WHILE IDLING, OR STOPPED. BE AWARE THAT CO CAN REMAIN IN OR AROUND YOUR BOAT AT DANGEROUS LEVELS EVEN IF YOUR ENGINE OR THE OTHER BOAT’S ENGINE IS NO LONGER RUNNING!
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