Owner`s manual

2.4
Operation By Minors
Minors should always be supervised by an adult whenever
operating a boat. Many states have laws regarding the mini-
mum age and licensing requirements of minors. Be sure to
contact your state boating authorities for information.
Rules of the Road
As a responsible boater, you will comply with the “Rules of
the Road,” the marine trafc laws enforced by the U.S. Coast
Guard. Navigating a boat is much the same as driving an au-
tomobile. Operating either one responsibly means complying
with a set of rules intended to prevent accidents. Just as you
assume other car drivers know what they are doing, other
boaters assume you know what you are doing. Chapter 8 has
more information about navigational rules and the Rules of
the Road.
Voluntary Inspections
State boating ofcials in many states or the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliaries offer courtesy inspections to check out your craft.
They will check your boat for compliance with safety stan-
dards and required safety equipment. You may voluntarily
consent to one of these inspections, and you are allowed
time to make corrections without prosecution. Check with
the appropriate state agency or the Coast Guard Auxiliary for
details.
Safe Boating Courses
Your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power
Squadrons offer comprehensive safe boating classes several
times a year. You may contact the Boat/U.S. Foundation at
1-800-336-BOAT (2628) or in Virginia 1-800-245-BOAT (2628)
for a course schedule in your area. Also contact your local
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Flotilla for the
time and place of their next scheduled class. For further
information, visit www.boater101.com.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Burning a material containing carbon produces carbon mon-
oxide (CO), an odorless and colorless gas. You cannot see or
smell CO. Because it weighs the same as air, it will distribute
throughout an enclosed space without your knowledge. Any
device used to burn carbon-based materials on your boat, or
those around you, can be a source of CO. Common sources
of carbon monoxide include internal combustion engines and
open flame devices such as charcoal grills.
The lungs absorb carbon monoxide which then reacts with
the blood to reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The
reduced oxygen supply to body tissues results in death of the
tissue. Prolonged exposure can cause death.
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. Symptoms of CO
poisoning include: itchy and watering eyes, ushed appear-
ance, throbbing temples, inability to think coherently, ringing
in the ears, tightness across the chest, headaches, drowsi-
ness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, collapse, and
convulsions.
If you observe any of these symptoms, begin treatment im-
mediately. Prompt action can make the difference between
life and death. Evacuate the area and move the victim to
fresh air. Administer oxygen, if available, and get medical
help. Open all canvas to ventilate the area. Investigate the
source of CO and take immediate corrective action; be espe-
cially aware of sources adjacent to the boat.
Carbon Monoxide Accumulation
Following are common situations in which carbon monox-
ide (CO) can accumulate within enclosed areas of your boat
while docked, anchored or underway. Become familiar with
these examples and their precautions and be alert to other
situations to prevent CO poisoning.
Carbon monoxide can be harmful or fatal if inhaled. Keep exhaust outlets
clear of blockage. Provide adequate ventilation. Open hatches, doors,
windows and vents to ensure adequate ventilation. Close engine compart-
ment doors and hatches when engine or generator is running.
Generator or hull exhaust from other vessels while either docked or
anchored can accumulate within enclosed areas of your boat. Be alert for
generator exhaust from other vessels alongside (Figure 2-6).
Under certain conditions, tail wind, boat speed, or high bow angle can draw
carbon monoxide into enclosed areas (backdrafting). CO can accumulate
to dangerous levels without proper airflow. Open front canvas to provide
adequate ventilation, redistribute the load, or bring boat out of high bow
angle (Figure 2-7).
FIGURE 2-6 VESSEL ALONGSIDE