| Seasickness and CO poisoning symptoms are alarmingly similar The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is investigating solutions, and attempting to raise awareness about an epidemic of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on boats. Boat design characteristics and boaters unawareness of the hazards are implicated in the rapidly increasing number of reported deaths both inside and outside of houseboats, cruisers, and ski boats. Talk to your marine surveyor about your specific boat. A report from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) detailing recent investigations at Lake Powell, Utah, from 1990 to 2000 found 111 CO poisoning, 74 on houseboats and 37 on other types of pleasure craft. A new NIOSH report, "Boat-Related Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning" cited 93 fatalities and 377 non-fatal CO related poisoning identified on or around boats through March 19, 2003. |
|
| Consider the lovely canvas work on this Chris Craft (photo below left) and note how in the photo at right the canvas unsnaps to reveal blocked ventilation louvers. Any CO produced in the engine compartment is going straight into a fully enclosed cockpit. This boat is dangerous ! | |
 |
 |
| The USCG stresses that these numbers under report the actual number of incidents that have
occurred because many emergency personnel
are not fully aware of the problem and while
drowning may be the actual cause of death
the drowning was due to loss of consciousness
due to CO poisoning. CO is a potentially deadly gas that is odourless, colourless and tasteless and is found as a by product of internal combustion engines or any appliance that burns fossil fuels. CO enters the bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen needed by the body with a resulting hypoxia of body tissues. Symptoms of CO poisoning include rapid onset of headache fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion, convulsions and death. Note: The early symptoms are almost identical to those of seasickness. It has been known for some time that carbon monoxide can reach lethal concentrations from generator exhaust that gathers at the stern of houseboats, but only in the last couple of years has it been found that carbon monoxide can gather in deadly concentrations in the cockpits of cruisers, belowdecks from propane appliances and leaking exhaust systems and behind ski boats and even personal watercraft. The highest concentrations of CO are often around swim platforms and cockpits and can actually be sucked inboard by the "draft" effect of a moving vessel, It has been generally assumed that CO poisoning was not possible outdoors however one recent fatality was that of a man working in the cockpit of his sail boat with a small generator running on the dock. The CO drifted down into the cockpit and killed him. CO Exposure Limits " 35 ppm - Maximum allowed by EPA outside for 1 hour " 200 ppm - Noticeable symptoms " 800 ppm - Serious symptoms and even death " 1200 ppm - Immediately dangerous to life and health " 6400 ppm - Death in 10 minutes CO poisoning in and outside of boats is now beginning to receive a higher level of attention. At recent meeting USCG, NIOSH and the boating industry met to discuss the state of current research, education, and solutions to the CO risks associated with recreational vessels. The was to examine methods to prevent boat-related CO poisoning and to review the status of current research and regulations. The meeting focused primarily on the problems of CO emissions from houseboat generators and engines from all types of pleasure craft, including cabin cruisers and ski boats. As evidenced from the number of poisoning on all types of pleasure craft, generator exhausts are only part of the CO problem. Drive engine exhaust is responsible for over half of the CO related deaths noted by NIOSH. Boat builders seeking National Marine Manufacturers Association certification for their boats now have to install carbon monoxide detectors inside the cabin if the craft has living accommodations below. These devices don't function well in outside environments but may be better than nothing. The requirement was added to the NMMA's certification standards in March 2001 to for model year 2002. Finally, it appears that litigation may provide an incentive to the industry as a couple of engine manufactures have lost wrongful death suits and one manufacturer has added warning labels on its ski boats advising users of the dangers of CO near the swim platform. The labels were added as part of settlement agreement that stemmed from litigation involving the death of a 10-year-old boy in Alabama. All fossil fuel burning systems, whether engines or appliances produce some CO. Unfortunately we have no mandatory requirements for CO detectors on pleasure craft in Canada but they are easily installed and remember that a well tuned engine produces less CO than a poorly maintained engine. Regularly inspect your exhaust system and ensure that all exhaust hose clamps are doubled and secure. If you see water staining on your manifold it means that gases as well as water are leaking. Repair it immediately. If your guests complain of seasickness don't write them off as "landlubbers" but move them to an area exposed to fresh moving air. Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning and the medically recommended actions. |
|
| Carbon Monoxide Check List (It take only
minutes) |
|
| Make sure your marine surveyor knows what to look for | |
| Make sure you know where exhaust outlets are located on your vessel. | |
| Educate all passengers about the symptoms of CO poisoning and where CO may accumulate. | |
| When docked or rafted with another boat, be aware of exhaust emissions from the other boat. | |
| Confirm that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engines and generator are started. | |
| Listen for any change in exhaust sound, which could indicate an exhaust component failure. | |
| Test the operation of each CO detector by pressing the test button. | |
| Make sure all exhaust and blower duct clamps are in place and secure. | |
| Look for exhaust leaking from exhaust system components. Signs include rust and/or black streaking, water leaks, corroded or cracked fittings. | |
| Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burned, cracked, or deteriorated sections. All rubber hoses should be firm but pliable and free of kinks. | |
| Ensure that your engines and generators are properly tuned, and well maintained. | |
| Inspect water pump impellers and the pump housings. Replace if worn. Make sure cooling systems are in working condition. | |
| Inspect all metallic exhaust components for cracking, rusting, leaking, or loosening. Check the cylinder head gasket, exhaust manifold, water injection elbow, and the threaded adapter nipple between the manifold and the elbow. | |
| Clean, inspect, and confirm proper operation
of the generator cooling water anti-siphon valve (if equipped).
|
|
