Volvo Penta TAMD74A-A Operator's Manual page 7

Carbon monoxide poisoning
When a boat is moving forward, it will cause a certain
vacuum to form behind the boat. In unfortunate cir-
cumstances, the suction from this vacuum can be so
great that the exhaust gases from the boat are drawn
into the cockpit or cabin and cause carbon monoxide
poisoning.
This problem is most prevailant on high, wide boats
with abrupt stern. In certain conditions, however, this
suction can be a problem on other boats, e.g. when
running with the cover up. Other factors that can in-
crease the effect of the suction are wind conditions,
load distribution, swells, trim, open hatches and port-
holes, etc.
Remember
Safety equipment: life jackets for everyone on board, communication equipment, distress rockets,
approved fire extinguisher, bandages, life buoy, anchor, paddle, torch, etc.
Spare parts and tools: Impeller, fuel filter, fuses, adhesive tape, hose clips, engine oil, propeller
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and tools for tasks it may be necessary to perform.
Plan your desired route from the charts. Calculate distance and fuel consumption. Listen to
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weather reports.
Inform relations of your planned route for long trips. Remember to inform of changed plans or de-
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lays.
Inform the people on board of where the safety equipment is located and how it works. Make sure
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there is more than one person on board that knows how to start and manoeuvre the boat safely.
This list should be supplemented with necessary safety equipment depending on the type of boat,
where and how it is being used, etc. We recommend you get in touch with a regional boat or marine
safety organisation to obtain more detailed marine safety information.
Most modern boats, however, are designed in such a
way that this problem is very rare. If suction should
arise anyway, do not open hatches or portholes at the
fore of the boat. Surprisingly, this will otherwise in-
crease the suction. Try changing speed, trim or load
distribution instead. Try taking down/opening or in
any other way changing the setup of the cover as
well. Get in touch with your boat dealer for help in ob-
taining the best solution for your boat.
Safety information
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