The dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning

Every so often you read about a tragic death on a boat due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This risks rise when the weather cools and we tend to spend more time in our cabins with heaters and cooking equipment nearby.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas produced when carbon based fuel such as diesel, petrol, propane, charcoal, or oil, burns.

Long periods of exposure to low concentrations or short periods of exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide can result in death or serious injury.

Carbon monoxide in high concentrations can be fatal in a matter of minutes. There are some telltale signs that you should be aware of.

SIGNS OF CO POISONING
Educate family, friends and boat passengers about carbon monoxide so that they aware of the possible symptoms.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
>> Irritated eyes
>> Headache
>> And dizziness.

These should not be confused with the flu, seasickness or intoxication.

If you suspect someone may have carbon monoxide poisoning contact your nearest emergency medical service.

HOW CAN CO ACCUMULATE
As the skipper, make sure you are aware of the following:
>> Inadequately ventilated canvas enclosures
>> Blocked exhaust outlets
>> Another vessel's exhaust.
>> CO from the boat docked next to you can be just as deadly
>> Station wagon effect or back drafting
>> At slow speeds, while idling, or stopped. Be aware that CO can remain in or around your boat at dangerous levels even if your engine or the other boat's engine is no longer running!

REDUCE FUMES
Sources on a vessel that produce carbon monoxide include petrol or diesel engines, generators, fuel-burning cooking equipment, and space or water heaters.

The areas of concern for recreational boaters are the build up of carbon monoxide emissions inside and outside the vessel.

Passengers, swimmers and teak/drag surfers should be aware of the carbon monoxide levels that dissipate from rear-vented generator exhausts situated close to the rear deck and the swim platform.

Those in the water should not approach the area until the motor generator has stopped running for at least 15 minutes, officials say.

HIGH RISK AREAS
Increased carbon monoxide levels can accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge due to blocked exhaust outlets, or the effects of back drafting when operating at a high bow angle or with improper and heavy loading.

When idle or travelling at slow speeds, boats should be a minimum of 6 metres from the nearest vessel that is running an engine or generator alongside, to prevent exhaust fumes or tailwinds increasing carbon monoxide levels.

Always keep forward facing hatches open to allow fresh air to circulate the living spaces. When possible, operate the vessel so that prevailing winds help dissipate emissions of the exhaust in order to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the cabin or cockpit.

Taking steps to correct rear venting generator exhausts of manufacture designs is one step to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide concentration, however scheduling regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by trained technicians is most beneficial.

Cold and/or poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm, properly tuned engines.

SAFEGUARD YOUR BOAT
Steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
>>
Find out where the exhaust outlets are located on your vessel and
ensure that they are properly vented away from living areas
>> Install a CO detector alarm and test its operation before each trip
>> Educate passengers on the symptoms of CO poisoning, causes and areas to avoid
>>
As part of the monthly maintenance check, inspect components of the
exhaust system and check the condition of rubber hoses.
>> Look for any signs of leaks in the exhaust system including water leaks, rusts, corroded, cracked or loosened fittings
>>
As part of the annual maintenance check, have a qualified marine
technician clean, inspect and confirm proper operation of the engine,
generators and metallic exhaust components. Replace any worn parts and
ensure the cooling systems are in proper working condition.

This article was reprinted with information from the Roads and Maritime Services in NSW.
There’s an online brochure from US Coast Guard about CO Poisoning and Boating.