Carbon Monoxide Hazards
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. It is produced when a carbon-based
fuel such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or oil burns. Sources on your boat may include but are not
limited to: engines, gas generators, cooking rangers, space and water heaters.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Carbon Monoxide (CO) can be a silent killer on houseboats and other recreational vessels. Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Virtually all such poisonings are preventable. All vessel are required by law to have a carbon monoxide warning placard at the helm clearly present and visible to all. If you do not have such a placard, please contact your local vessel examiner to obtain a exam, and a placard.
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of the combustion of carbon-based material, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or wood. Common sources aboard boats include main and auxiliary engines, generators, cooking ranges, space heaters, and water heaters. Note that cold and poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines.
Why is it so Dangerous?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) enters your
bloodstream through the lungs, blocking the oxygen your body needs. Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very quick exposure to high concentrations can kill you.
Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. These symptoms are often confused with seasickness or intoxication, so those affected may not receive the medical attention they need.
The U.S. Coast Guard & Auxiliary want you to know...
- CO can harm and even kill you inside or outside your boat
- CO symptoms are similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication.
- CO can affect you whether you're underway, moored, or anchored.
- You cannot see, smell, or taste CO, but if you smell exhaust fumes, CO is present
- CO can make you sick in seconds. In high enough concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatal
- CO's ability to kill in seconds has been the leading reason for the ban of teak surfing across the United States. Boat Operators / Owners and persons engaged in teak surfing are subject to criminal prosecution and civil penalties