6
Safety
Your Pro-Line boat has been constructed with safety in mind. But, remember, boating safety and the
safety of your passengers is YOUR ultimate responsibility. You should fully understand the operations of
your vessel as well as the basics in boating safety.
Your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) and the U.S. Power Squadrons (USPS) offer excellent
safe boating classes several times a year. If you have not already passed a boating safety course, we
recommend that you do so at your earliest convenience.
Plan your trips carefully. Insure ample fuel supply and a reserve. Tell someone where you are going and
when you expect to return. Keep current charts onboard. Read USCG boating safety circulars and follow
the safety guidelines.
Carbon Monoxide
Be aware of and avoid conditions that can cause Carbon Monoxide poisoning (see USCG boating safety
circular 77). Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO) include any gas or diesel engine and any flame from
items such as a charcoal grill, stove or heater. Carbon Monoxide can accumulate to deadly levels in
enclosed spaces. Always ventilate occupied areas of the vessel with fresh clean air.
In high concentrations, CO can be fatal within minutes. The effects of CO in lower concentrations are
cumulative and can be just as lethal over long periods of time. CO poison
ing
is often confused with
seasickness. So be aware of the following CO symptoms: Itchy and watery eyes, flushed appearance,
throbbing temples, inability to think coherently, ringing in the ears, tightness across the chest, headaches,
drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, collapse and convulsions.
Do not stand or swim near the motor when the engine is idling.
Carbon monoxide can harm and even kill you inside or outside your boat!
Did you also know:
•
CO symptoms are similar to seasickness or alcohol intoxication?
•
CO can affect you whether you're underway, moored or anchored?
•
You cannot see, smell or taste CO?
•
CO can make you sick in seconds? In high enough concentrations, even a few breaths
can be fatal.
Most important of all, did you know CO poisonings are
preventable
? Every boater should be aware of
the risks associated with CO - what it is; where it may accumulate; and the symptoms of CO poisoning.
To protect yourself, your passengers and those around you, learn all you can about CO.
Emergency Treatment for CO Poisoning
CO poisoning or toxicity is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. The following
is a list of things that should be done if CO poisoning is suspected. Proceed with caution. The victim
may be in an area of high CO concentration, which means you or others could also be in danger from
exposure to CO.
•
Evaluate the situation and ventilate the area, if possible.
•
Evacuate the area and move affected person(s) to a fresh air environment.
•
Observe the victim(s).
•
Administer oxygen, if available.
