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Course Outline

To protect yourself and others against CO poisoning while boating:

  • Allow fresh air to circulate throughout the pleasure craft at all times, even during bad weather. Be especially careful to keep the following well ventilated:
    • Cooking areas
    • Heated cabin areas
    • Areas with protective coverings
  • Make sure all fuel-burning engines and appliances are certified or designed for marine use.
    • Use them only in well-ventilated areas.
    • Take extra care if they are running when your pleasure craft is not moving.
  • Install and maintain CO detectors inside your pleasure craft. Replace batteries and detectors as recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Ventilate immediately if exhaust vapours are detected on the pleasure craft.
  • Know where your engine and generator exhaust outlets are located and keep everyone away from these areas because they can contain the highest concentration of carbon monoxide.
  • Never sit on the back deck, “teak surf,” or hang on the swim platform while the engines are running.
  • Never enter areas under swim platforms where exhaust outlets are located—even for a second. One or two breaths in this area could be fatal.
Illustration showing swim platform and danger areas on the rear of a houseboat
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