Carbon Monoxide (Co); Co Facts; Factors That Increase The Effects Of Co Poisoning - Bayliner 245 Cruiser Owner's Manual Supplement

Chapter 1: Welcome Aboard!

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO Facts

• CO poisoning causes a significant number of boating deaths each year.
• Called the "silent killer", CO is an extremely toxic, colorless, odorless and tasteless gas.
• CO can harm or even kill you inside or outside your boat.
• CO can affect you whether you're underway, moored, or anchored.
• CO symptoms are similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication.
• CO can make you sick in seconds. In high enough concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatal.
• Breathing CO blocks the ability of your blood to carry oxygen.
• The effects are cumulative. Even low levels of exposure can result in injury or death.

Factors that Increase the Effects of CO Poisoning

• Age
• Smokers or people exposed to high concentrations of cigarette smoke
• Consumption of alcohol
• Lung disorders
• Heart problems
• Pregnancy
6
!
• Carbon monoxide gas (CO) is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and
extremely dangerous.
• ALL engines, generators, and fuel burning appliances produce CO
as exhaust.
• Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or very quick exposure to high
concentrations WILL cause BRAIN DAMAGE or DEATH.
• Teak surfing, dragging, or water skiing within 20 feet of a moving water-
craft can be fatal.
!
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD!
• NEVER use full canvas and vinyl enclosures when the engine or generator
is running.
• For proper fresh air circulation, remove forward, aft, and both side enclo-
sure curtains BEFORE starting the engine or generator.
• Read the Carbon Monoxide (CO) section in Chapter 1 of this supplement.
DANGER!
DANGER!
245 Cruiser • Owner's Manual Supplement