COAST GUARD INCREASES EFFORTS TO WARN OF CO HAZARDS

Research has shown the extent of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on recreational boats is substantial. Outdoor CO poisoning is a growing problem with the advent of such activities as teak surfing or dragging on boats with rear swim platforms. In this activity, participants are breathing heavily concentrated CO from the propulsion engine exhaust stream behind the boat. In response, the U.S. Coast Guard is increasing its efforts to encourage the development of technical solutions and public education efforts to reduce injuries and deaths related to CO. CO detectors are commonly installed in interior spaces and more generator exhaust outlets are now located away from areas where people congregate on the boat. In March 2003, the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety, in partnership with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, convened a workshop for participants from all parts of the industry to discuss CO and the alternatives to mitigate or eliminate CO hazards. Many manufacturers are introducing new technologies to minimize or eliminate CO poisoning, including rerouting exhaust outlets for generators or adding emission commission devices to the exhaust CO before the exhaust gas is introduced into the air. One manufacturer has introduced a device to automatically detect CO and shut off the generator while sounding an alarm. The Coast Guard is also continuing to develop education materials to increase the awareness of recreational boat owners and operators of the CO hazards associated with gasoline-powered generators and main propulsion engines.

• Corporate Authors:

  United States Coast Guard

  National Maritime Center, 4200 Wilson Boulevard
  Arlington, VA  United States  22203-1804
• Authors:
  • Blackman, R
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the Marine Safety Council
• Publication Date: 2003-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 62-64
• Serial:
  • Volume: 60
  • Issue Number: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Boating; Carbon monoxide; Exhaust gases; Gasoline engines; Generators; Marine safety; Pleasure craft; Poisonous gases; Safety education; Technological innovations
• Identifier Terms: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health; United States Coast Guard
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00967961
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 10 2004 12:00AM