Catalina Owner's Manual - Chris Craft

Safety and Operations
Early symptoms of CO poisoning are often confused with seasickness or intoxication, thus those individuals
affected may not receive adequate medical attention. As the owner/operator, you must be aware of Carbon
Monoxide concentrations and its effects on passengers and crew. Dangerous concentrations of Carbon
Monoxide may be present if:
• There is leakage in the engine exhaust system.
• There is insufficient fresh air circulation.
• Fumes move from the aft section of the vessel.
• Exhaust gas becomes trapped in enclosed places.
• Exhaust outlets become blocked.
• A back draft or “station wagon effect” occurs.
• Your vessel is situated next to, and receives exhaust from, the neighboring vessel.
• Your vessel is slow, idling, or stopped.
Carbon Monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
To protect yourself and passengers from CO poisoning:
• Maintain sufficient ventilation at all times.
• Operate all fuel-burning appliances in a location where fresh air can circulate.
• Keep all passengers away from exhaust outlets.
• If fumes are detected, CO is present. Take steps to ventilate the area.
• Symptoms of seasickness could be CO poisoning. Get the affected person to fresh air. Seek medical attention,
unless you are positive it is NOT Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
• Review the Coast Guard pamphlet included with the boats documentation.
• Get a vessel safety check.
Current and archived carbon monoxide alerts may be found at:
http://www.uscgboating.org/alerts/alertsview.aspx?id=8
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