Module 20 - Special Situations Afloat
Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is colourless, odourless, and potentially fatal. It can come from engine exhaust, diesel heaters, gas cookers, petrol generators, charcoal barbecues, or another vessel's exhaust. CO risk is highest when ventilation is poor, the vessel is stationary or downwind of exhaust, or equipment is poorly installed or maintained.
Symptoms can look like seasickness or fatigue: headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, and collapse. Fit marine CO alarms, ventilate cabins, maintain exhaust and heater systems, and never run engines, generators, or barbecues where fumes can enter the boat. If CO is suspected, move everyone to fresh air, stop the source if safe, call for help, and give oxygen if trained and equipped.
Key points
- CO is colourless and odourless
- Symptoms can mimic seasickness
- Sources include engines, heaters, cookers, generators, and exhaust blowback
- Fit and test CO alarms
- Fresh air first; call for help if anyone is symptomatic
Tip: Do not dismiss a whole crew feeling sick or sleepy as normal seasickness. Multiple people with similar symptoms can indicate fumes or CO.
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