Connecticut Boating Safety Course

WHAT TO DO

• The best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning is to keep air flowing through the vessel.
• Educate your passengers about carbon monoxide so they are aware of what the early poisoning signs are.
• If your boat has a rear-vented generator exhaust, check with the boat manufacturer for possible recall, or reroute the exhaust to a safe area.
• Assign an adult to watch when anyone is in the water.
• Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.

• Keep forward-facing hatches open, even in inclement weather, to allow fresh air circulation in living spaces. When possible, run the boat so that prevailing winds will help dissipate the exhaust.

• Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness, intoxication, or heat stress.
• If someone aboard complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause, and take corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary.
• Install a marine rated carbon monoxide detector in enclosed spaces on your boat. Check detectors before each trip to be sure they are functioning properly. If the detector goes off, believe it!