Which of the following would help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning on board a vessel?

Be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas produced through the burning of carbon-based fuels (e.g. petrol, gas or oil).

Boaters need to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide and take precautions to ensure their vessel is well-ventilated at all times.

Most vessels contain a range of equipment that can produce carbon monoxide including engines, generators, cooking equipment and space or water heaters.

Prolonged exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide - or rapid exposure to a high concentration - can be fatal.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication. Early symptoms include headaches, nausea, eye irritation, weakness or dizziness.

If you notice these symptoms in someone else aboard a vessel, ensure they are exposed to fresh air and seek urgent medical attention.

Symptoms can progress quickly, and those affected by carbon monoxide poisoning can collapse or lose consciousness. In severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can result in a fatality.

How to minimise the risks of carbon monoxide when boating

1. Know where the carbon monoxide exhaust outlets are and ensure they are properly vented away from living areas. Keep forward-facing hatches open to allow fresh air to circulate.
2. Avoid inhaling emissions from exhaust outlets by ensuring your vessel is well-ventilated. Where possible, operate your vessel so that prevailing winds help disperse exhaust emissions. Avoid the effects of backdrafting and be mindful of tailwinds when operating a vessel at low speeds.
3. Install a carbon monoxide detector alarm in your vessel and regularly test its proper functioning.
4. Passengers should avoid using the rear deck and swimming platform when engines are running. It is recommended that passengers do not use these areas until the engine or generator has been switched off for at least 15 minutes.
5. Avoid sitting on the swimming platform of an operating boat or “teak surf” (body surfing behind a vessel) as this can lead to the rapid inhalation of carbon monoxide.
6. When being towed behind a vessel (e.g. wakeboarding, waterskiing or aquaplaning), keep a distance of at least 7 metres behind the vessel at all times.
7. Exhausts from a nearby stationary vessel (e.g. docked or anchored boat) can emit carbon monoxide into the cabin or cockpit of your boat. Always maintain a distance of at least 6 metres from the nearest vessel that has a running engine or generator. When idling or travelling at low speeds, also maintain a distance of at least 6 metres from the nearest vessel that is running an engine or generator.
8. Avoid leaving your engine or generator running while your vessel is moored as carbon monoxide can infiltrate the cabin.
9. Regularly check your vessel’s exhaust system(s) for signs of a leak. Common signs include rust, black streaking, water leaks or cracked fittings. Ensure that all exhaust clamps are in place and secure, and that exhaust hoses are in good working condition.
10. Poorly-tuned engines generate more carbon monoxide. Schedule regular maintenance inspections for your engine and exhaust system(s) with trained marine technicians.

Dangers of gas emissions

Engines, generators and cooking appliances on a vessel can produce toxic gas emissions. These gases can harm people on board.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas. It's produced when a carbon-based fuel – such as petrol, diesel, propane, charcoal or oil – burns. Engines, generators and fuel-burning cooking equipment can produce carbon monoxide.

Inhaling high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause death within minutes.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• irritated eyes
• headaches
• nausea
• dizziness.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be mistaken for seasickness or intoxication. This means someone who's poisoned may not receive the medical attention they need.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

LPG is a non-corrosive and clean-burning fuel used for appliances on boats. It has a strong smell. LPG is heavier than air and will flow downwards and gather in the bilge.

If LPG leaks on board your vessel, it can cause explosions and fire. Inhaling LPG can cause asphyxiation.

What to do

Be alert for any signs of carbon monoxide build-up or gas leakage – for example, passengers feeling ill or a strong smell of LPG. If you think this may have happened, you should:

• Stop the engine.
• Turn off cylinder valves and all appliances.
• Ventilate the area – use all equipment available, such as a bilge blower.
• Evacuate the area and move everyone into fresh air.
• Avoid using any electrical switches until the air is clear.
• Keep a close watch on anyone affected. Give oxygen if possible. If the person is not breathing, perform CPR until help arrives.
• Make a distress call on your marine radio and contact medical help.

Reduce the risk

• When using the engine, make sure the cabin and cockpit areas are well ventilated. Open windows and hatches, and roll up cockpit covers.
• Never sit on marlin boards or swim platforms when a powered vessel with a rear-vented exhaust system is underway or idling. If possible, avoid using these areas for a minimum of 15 minutes after the engine or generator has been switched off.
• Be aware of onboard generators. Even when a boat is anchored or moored, generators still produce carbon monoxide. Never swim under swim platforms on houseboats.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector alarm in your boat.
• When towing a person, make sure they're a minimum of 7m behind your vessel.
• Regularly check your vessel’s exhaust system for signs of leaks – for example, rust, black streaking, water leaks or cracked fittings.
• Maintain your engine and exhaust systems. Organise regular inspections by trained technicians – poorly tuned engines generate more carbon monoxide.
• Avoid leaving your engine or generator running while your vessel is moored. Keep a minimum distance of 6m from other vessels when their engine or generator is running. Exhaust from other vessels can release carbon monoxide into your cabin or cockpit.
• Have LPG cylinders, appliances and hoses installed, serviced and inspected by trained technicians.

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