Boat Safe: Carbon Monoxide & Boats

Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Virtually all of these injuries and deaths are preventable.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a potentially deadly gas produced anytime a carbon-based fuel, such as gasoline, burns. Carbon monoxide sources on your boat include gasoline engines and generators, cooking ranges, space heaters and water heaters.

Follow these DOs and DON'Ts to ensure a safe boating experience every time.

DON'T

  • DON'T swim or sit near the swim platform when any engine is running.
  • DON'T hold on to the swim platform while the boat is underway (no "Teak Surfing").
  • DON'T moor next to another boat whose engine is running.
  • DON'T confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness or intoxication.

DO

  • DO immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take corrective action if someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness. Seek medical attention if necessary.
  • DO make sure generators are properly ventilated, and keep engine and generator exhausts clear.
  • DO be aware that the station wagon effect, or backdrafting, can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin, cockpit and bridge when the boat is underway, moving at a slow speed, or idling.
  • DO keep your boat's engine well maintained, and regularly check to make sure carbon monoxide detectors in the cabin are working properly.
  • DO always wear a properly fitted life jacket while in or around water.

Questions?


For more information on carbon monoxide and boats, contact the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety at 1-800-368-5647 or visit www.uscgboating.org, or contact your state boating law administrator at 1-859-225-9487 or visit www.nasbla.org.

Resources


NMMA also has an informative brochure that warns boaters about the risks associated with carbon monoxide. Click here to view the brochure.

To order posters or brochures, please contact the NMMA fulfillment department at 1-888-558-2272. Posters are free; brochures cost $15 for a pack of 100.