Owner`s manual

C 340

CO POISONING PRODUCES FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS: WATERY AND ITCHY EYES, HEAD-

ACHES AND FATIGUE. YOU CAN’T SEE IT AND YOU CAN’T SMELL IT. IT’S AN IN-

VISIBLE KILLER.

The following are symptoms which may signal exposure to CO: dizziness, flushed face, ears ringing,

headaches, tightness of chest or hyperventilation, drowsiness, fatigue or weakness, inattention or confusion,

lack of normal coordination, nausea and unconsciousness. The victim’s skin also may turn red. A slight build-

up of carbon monoxide in the human body over several hours causes headache, nausea and other symptoms

similar to food poisoning, motion sickness or the flu. Anyone with these symptoms should immediately be

moved to an area of fresh air. Have the victim breath deeply and seek immediate medical attention. To learn

more about CO poisoning, contact your local health authorities.

In certain situations, boats can have a problem due

to the “station wagon effect” where engine exhaust

fumes are captured in the vessel by the vacuum or

low pressure area, usually the cockpit, bridge deck

and cabin, that can be created by the forward speed

of the boat. Boats that are underway should close

all aft facing portholes, hatches and doors. The

forward facing deck hatches should be open when-

ever possible to help pressurize the living spaces of

the boat. Sleeping, particularly in aft cabins,

should not be permitted while underway. Proper

ventilation should be maintained on the bridge

deck by opening a forward window or windshield

to drive fumes away from the occupants. The

canvas drop or aft curtain must be removed and the

side curtains should be opened or removed to

increase air flow and maintain proper ventilation

whenever the engines are running.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE ENGINES BE OPERATING WITH SIDE CUR-

TAINS CLOSED AND THE AFT OR DROP CURTAIN INSTALLED.

Extreme caution must be taken while at anchor or in a slip and an auxiliary power generator is operating. Wind

still nights can easily allow fumes to enter the boat. Inspect the exhaust systems of propulsion and the auxiliary

generators, if installed, frequently for possible leaks. High concentrations of CO in your boat may originate

from an adjacent boat. Exhaust fumes from nearby boats may enter your boat through open hatches or

windows.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY VENTILATE THE BOAT WHILE THE ENGINES ARE RUNNING

MAY PERMIT CARBON MONOXIDE TO ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE CABIN. CARE MUST

BE TAKEN TO PROPERLY VENTILATE THE BOAT AND TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE

FROM ACCUMULATING IN THE BOAT WHENEVER AN ENGINE IS RUNNING.