Fort Myers, FL – Carbon monoxide is a silent killer aboard your boat. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It is produced in the fuel system, carburetors, injectors, ignition system, and worn pistons, rings and valves.
Carbon monoxide is a cumulative poison. Low concentrations in the atmosphere may accumulate in the victim’s blood over a period of time with serious or fatal results. Carbon monoxide is discharged through the engine and generator. Exhaust may re-enter your boat through any opening. Always look and listen for leaks in the exhaust system. Include a visual check at each point for discoloration, water leaks and carbon stains.
Check the exhaust clamps to see that they are free of corrosion, in good repair, and are properly tightened. Make sure the ventilation systems are working properly and not obstructed, restricted or punctured. All boat engines produce carbon monoxide, but can be operated safely if you keep a flow of fresh air moving through your boat. The danger comes when there are pockets of air loaded with carbon monoxide that are not flushed from your boat.
Back-drafting occurs as air moves around the boat and forms a low pressure area immediately behind the windshield. Opening a hatch will let the fresh air flow through the boat, eliminating this. It is important that you have a carbon monoxide alarm system on your boat.
There are penalties for violating Boating Under the Influence. Penalties can include large fines, suspension of operator’s privileges and even jail sentences. Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These impairments increase the likelihood of accidents afloat for both passengers and boat operators. Motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray accelerate a drinker’s impairment.
Wearing your life jacket is the best way to eliminate drowning accidents. You must wear it to have it protect you. You can be thrown overboard in a second from passing wakes, sudden turns, sitting on the gunnel or hanging overboard. Children age 6 and under must wear a life jacket while underway in a boat under 26 feet long. Make sure it is of the proper size for them. The Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron will supply you with a free child’s life jacket. Call them for more information.
To improve your boating skills, take the America’s Boating Course given by the Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron. It is at 907 S.E. 47th Terrace. Their phone number is 549-9754.