You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning carbon-based fuels.
- Engine Exhaust (Diesel and Gas)
- Generator Exhaust
- Adjacent boats at dock near you
One way it can get into your boat is referred to as the “station wagon” effect which occurs when a moving boat creates a vacuum behind it that tends to pull exhaust fumes back into the boat. This occurrence is worsened when the wind is behind the boat, and the boat is traveling slightly faster than the wind is blowing.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, are often mistaken for the flu because the deadly gas goes undetected.
Prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death.
Prevention:
- While sleeping aboard maintain constant flow of air throughout the cabin.
- Engine compartment well ventilated
- Don’t congregate around exhaust ports
- Don’t swim under swim platforms w/Gen. or Engines running
- Use carbon monoxide detectors
Treatment:
- Move all family members and pets to fresh air away from the source of carbon monoxide (CO).
- No home therapy is available for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- You must seek medical care in a hospital emergency department.
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USCGAUX Safe Boating Warren Webster Building,1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach Tuesdays, 7 pm, 12-week continuous program, Up to 2 years to finish. $45, $60 couple, U.S. Coast Guard Aux Flotilla 78, Jim 727.360.4846 or Tony 941.504.4855.
Article by the US Coast Guard