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BOATING RESPONSIBILITIES - 2
CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD
DANGER
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless
and tasteless gas. You cannot see it, smell it or
taste it. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide
can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage or
death!
Carbon monoxide is produced when anything that
contains carbon, such as gasoline, natural gas, oil,
propane, coal or wood is burned. Carbon monoxide is
commonly found in the exhaust of internal combustion
engines (boat power plants, generators, etc.). In
addition, open flame devices like cooking ranges,
heaters and charcoal grills also produce carbon
monoxide.
Carbon monoxide accumulation, in and around boats
is affected by vessel geometry; overall vessel design;
closeness to other structures; wind direction; boat
speed; and many other variables. In no way can this
section cover all of the possible variables. Do not rely
on this section as the exclusive listing of measures to
prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Consult your boat operators manual for detailed
information on the inspection and/or maintenance of
the exhaust system for your particular application. If
an inspection reveals possible leaks, DO NOT operate
your engine(s) until it can be serviced by a qualified
technician.
Proper and adequate air circulation, around and
throughout the boat, is absolutely necessary to aid in
the prevention of carbon monoxide build-up. If you
have any questions or concerns regarding the operation
of your boat and carbon monoxide hazards, DO NOT
operate your engines until you have contacted your boat
manufacturer.
10
To find out more about making boating safer, including
how you can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on
recreational boats, contact:
National Marine Manufacturers Association
United States Coast Guard
CG Headquarters G-OPB-3
American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc.
3069 Solomon's Island Road
Edgewater, MD 21037-1416
L510010D-17
200 East Randolph Drive
Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601-6528
www.nmma.org
312-946-6200
Office of Boating Safety
2100 Second Street SW
Washington, DC 20593
www.uscgboating.org
202-267-0984
www.abyc.com
410-956-1050
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