CARBON MONOXIDE: PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THIS SILENT KILLER
Carbon monoxide can collect within, alongside, or behind a boat in minutes and in a variety of ways.
AVOID THESE DEATH ZONES!
Do not swim near or under the back deck or swim platformlow platform installed at the transom for ease of boarding.. Carbon monoxide from exhaust pipes of inboard enginesa motor fitted inside the vessel., outboard enginesa detachable motor mounted on the transom of a boat., and generators build up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents.
STAY AWAY from these exhaust vent areas and DO NOT swim in these areas when the motor or generator is operating.
On calm days, wait at least 15 minutes after the motor or generator has been shut off before entering these areas. NEVER enter an enclosed area under a swim platform where exhaust is vented, not even for a second. It only takes one or two breaths of the air in this "death chamber" for it to be fatal.
Make sure that houseboats as well as cabin motorboats have adequate ventilation in the cabin compartment from exhaust given off by generators, heaters, and air conditioners.
EXHAUST FUME DANGERS
Blockage of exhaust outlets can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabinan enclosed living quarters for passengers or crew. and cockpita space for the crew, the cockpit is lower than the deck and usually watertight. area, even when hatchan opening in a boat's deck.es, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.
Exhaust from another vessel that is docked, beached, or anchored alongside your boat can emit poisonous carbon monoxide gas into the cabin and cockpit of your boat. Even with properly vented exhaust, your boat should be a minimum of 20 feet from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.
Slow speeds or idling in the water can cause carbon monoxide gas to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aftnear or at the stern of the boat. deckthe portion of a vessel which covers its hull. , even in an open area. A tailwinda wind coming from the rear of a vessel. (force of wind entering from aft section of the motorboat) can also increase accumulation.
The "station wagon effect," or backdrafting, can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when the boat is operating at a high bow angle, with improper or heavy loading, or if there is an opening that draws in exhaust. This effect can also cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit, aft deck, and bridge when protective coverings are used and the boat is underway.
Dragging oneself by the swim step behind a boat with an engine running, a dangerous practice termed "teak surfing" or "platform dragging", dragging and water skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft, can be fatal and is not permitted.
