BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas you can’t see, smell or taste. CO can spread through an area quickly, and is undetectable. The gas is inhaled into your lungs, cutting off the oxygen supply to your brain, and can kill in minutes.

CO gas  is produced by anything that burns carbon-based fuel (such as gasoline, propane, charcoal or oil)  including engines, generators, cooking ranges and heaters. Operators of boats equipped with fuel burning appliances should be aware of the increased risks of CO poisoning. Be alert to flu-like symptoms which can include headaches, nausea and fatigue.

 CO build-up can occur between the pontoons of a houseboat or a pontoon boat, always use caution if you’re swimming behind these boat types. Additionally, swimmers or people being towed closely behind a boat with the engine turned on are at increased risk of CO poisoning.

You can protect yourself and others from CO poisoning by:

• Always using a marine grade CO detector and checking the batteries before each trip
• Idling your engine and only using cooking appliances in well-ventilated areas
• Using fuel-burning engines or appliances that are designed for marine use
• Properly using your boat’s ventilation system and blower to reduce the risk of CO poisoning

Treating CO poisoning

If you, or one of your passengers (guests) has CO poisoning, you should immediately:

• Move to fresh air away from the source of CO
• Seek medical help immediately