Washington, D.C. – Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it.
Larger boats, such as houseboats, sometimes have generators that vent toward the rear of the boat. This venting poses a danger of CO poisoning to people on the rear swim deck or water platform.
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On larger boats CO builds up above the water near the water platform. CO that builds up in the air space beneath the stern deck or on and near the swim deck can kill someone in seconds.
Traveling at slow speeds or idling in the water can cause CO to build up in a boat’s cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, or in an open area. Wind from the aft section of the boat can increase this buildup of CO.
Back drafting can cause CO to build up inside the cabin, cockpit, and bridge when a boat is operated at a high bow angle, is improperly or heavily loaded, or has an opening that draws in exhaust.
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause death. CO poisoning can also cause you to pass out and fall into the water and drown. A person who is sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.
How to Prevent CO Poisoning on Boats
Install and maintain a working CO detector inside the boat to alert people when dangerous levels of CO have built up inside the boat cabin.
- Properly install and maintain all fuel-burning engines and appliances.
- Educate all passengers about the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.
- Swim and play away from areas where engines vent their exhaust.
- Watch children closely when they play on rear swim decks or water platforms.
- Never block exhaust outlets. Blocking outlets can cause CO to build up in the cabin and cockpit areas–even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.
- Dock, beach, or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine. Exhaust from a nearby vessel can send CO into the cabin and cockpit of a boat.
Facts You Should Know about CO
- CO cannot be seen or smelled, but it can kill you or make you sick.
- Know the symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Get to fresh air and seek medical help immediately if you or a family member has these symptoms!
- Install and test daily a battery operated CO detector.
- CO from engine exhaust builds up inside and outside the boat in areas near exhaust vents. Stay away and do not swim near these areas while propulsion engines or generator are running.
- Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained technicians.
- Be aware that dangerous concentrations of CO can accumulate within seconds.
- All CO poisonings are preventable!
If you think a person on your boat has CO poisoning move him or her to fresh air right away and contact the nearest emergency services.