A nice day on the water!
A nice day out on the water can be enjoyed by all. Whether your generator is on in your cabin cruiser or you are simply standing on the swim platform of your ski boat there is a potential for CO poisoning.

Basics of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Boating  back to top

Study Provokes Stern Warning - In nine out of 10 express cruisers evaluated during normal operating conditions in an interagency survey by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the U.S. Coast Guard, the “Station Wagon” effect was found to generate hazardous concentrations of CO in areas where passengers congregate. Read More

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when any carbon based fuel is burned. As a result of CO concentrations in the air, early symptoms include drowsiness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritated eyes and weakness. These early symptoms are often confused with sea sickness, but with extremely high concentrations or prolonged durations of exposure the result can be death.

Sources: On a boat there are numerous sources of CO, such as a gasoline engine, gasoline generator, propane, and charcoal. These are fuels that we depend on to get us to and from our destination, keep us cool, provide electricity, and heat or cool our food.

Carbon monoxide under swim platform.
Dangerous levels of CO can be found in voids below the waterline on boats. Turn off generators and engines while your boat is not moving and while swimmers are in the water. Courtesy of the National Safe Boating Council.
CO becomes dangerous when it collects within and around a boat. CO can enter a cabin of a boat from different sources including: hot water heaters, galley stoves, improper ventilation while in motion (the “station wagon effect”), and exhaust leaks in your boat as well as from moored boats nearby. CO can collect in areas around a boat such as: near the swim platform, which is generally found close to the engine exhaust, and areas where boat overhangs can create pockets of air.
 

Carbon monoxide test on Lake Powell.
A study performed on Lake Powell, shows exhaust accumulation around the stern of a ski boat. This boat was not at idle, but traveling 11 mph. CO can accumulate in open air. Be aware of where passengers are located while riding in your boat. Courtesy of Dr. Robert Baron.

Teak Surfing or Dragging is a new activity where a swimmer holds on to the swim platform while the boat drags them through the water. This activity puts a person in direct proximity to extremely high concentrations of CO as well as a moving propeller.
 
Photo of kids teak surfing.
Teak surfing looks like a fun activity, but these children are unaware of the potential danger they are in. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that in a matter of seconds can overwhelm you. Notice none of the children are wearing life jackets. This is not a safe activity. Courtesy of Dr. Robert Baron.

Teak surfing danger illustrated.
Teak surfing is a new fad that puts you right in line with the propeller of your boat as well as high levels of CO.
Courtesy of the National Safe Boating Council.


Some Simple Precautions can be taken to avoid exposure to CO:

  • Avoid known locations where the gas can be present.

  • Have regular maintenance done on your engine and exhaust system by a trained technician.

  • Install a CO detector in the cabin of a boat.

  • Be aware that CO can accumulate when a boat is running its engine or generator while at a dock or seawall.

  • Open hatches and keep fresh air circulating throughout the boat to avoid exhaust fumes from reentering the aft part of the boat – the station wagon effect.

  • Turn off the engine or generator when people swim near the boat. Take your passengers water skiing instead of teak surfing.

  • Be aware that if a passenger has the symptoms of seasickness it could be CO poisoning and they should immediately be moved to fresh air.

  • Get a vessel safety check.

Looking for more information about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?  Check out the following links:

If you have any questions regarding this program, please email  the Program Administrator, or call (800) 245-2628 ext. 8354.