Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
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A by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide (CO) is
invisible, tasteless, odorless, and is produced by all engines,
heating and cooking appliances. The most common sources
of CO on boats are the engines, auxiliary generators and
propane or butane stoves. These produce large amounts of
CO and should never be operated while sleeping.
A slight buildup of carbon monoxide over several hours causes
headache, nausea and other symptoms that are similar to food
poisoning, motion sickness or flu. High concentrations can
be fatal within minutes. Many cases of carbon monoxide
poisoning indicate that while victims are aware they are not
well, they become so disoriented they are unable to save
themselves by either exiting the area or calling for help.
Also, young children, elderly persons, and pets may be the
first affected.
Drug or alcohol use increases the effect of CO exposure.
Individuals with cardiac or respiratory conditions are very
susceptible to the dangers of carbon monoxide. CO poisoning
is especially dangerous during sleep when victims are unaware
of any side effects. The following are symptoms which may
signal exposure to CO: (1) Headache (2) Tightness of chest or
hyperventilation (3) Flushed face (4) Nausea (5) Drowsiness
(6) Fatigue or Weakness (7) Inattention or Confusion (8)
Lack of normal coordination.
Persons who have been exposed to carbon monoxide should
be moved into fresh air immediately. Have the victim breath
deeply and seek immediate medical attention. To learn more
about CO poisoning, contact your local health authorities.
Low levels of carbon monoxide over an extended period of
time can be just as lethal as high doses over a short period.
Therefore, low levels of carbon monoxide can cause the
alarm to sound before the occupants of the boat notice any
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. CO detectors
are very reliable and rarely sound false alarms. If the alarm
sounds, always assume the hazard is real and move persons
who have been exposed to carbon monoxide into fresh air
immediately. Never disable the CO detector because you
think the alarm may be false. Always contact the detector
manufacturer or your local fire department for assistance in
finding and correcting the situation.
Remember, carbon monoxide detectors do not guarantee that
CO poisoning will not occur. Do not use the CO detector as a
replacement for ordinary precautions or periodic inspections
of equipment. Never rely on alarm systems to save your life,
common sense is still prudent and necessary.
Please read the owner’s manual supplied by the CO detector
manufacturer and included with this manual, for operation
instructions and additional information regarding the hazards
of carbon monoxide gas. Refer to the Ventilation chapter for
information on ventilating your boat properly while underway
and other precautions while at anchor or in a slip. This is
especially essential if your boat is equipped with a generator.
Many manufacturers of carbon monoxide detectors offer a
testing and recertification program. We recommend that you
contact the manufacturer of your carbon monoxide detector
and have it tested and recertified periodically.
ACTUATION OF THE CARBON MONOXIDE
DETECTOR INDICATES THE PRESENCE OF
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) WHICH CAN BE FATAL.
EVACUATE THE CABIN IMMEDIATELY. DO A
HEAD COUNT TO CHECK THAT ALL PERSONS
ARE ACCOUNTED FOR. DO NOT REENTER THE
CABIN UNTIL IT HAS BEEN AIRED OUT AND THE
PROBLEM FOUND AND CORRECTED.
11.7 First Aid
It is the operator’s responsibility to
be familiar with the proper first-
aid procedures and be able to care
for minor injuries or illnesses of
your passengers. In an emergency,
you could be far from professional
medical assistance. We strongly
recommend that you be prepared
by receiving training in basic first
aid and CPR. This can be done
through classes given by the Red
Cross or your local hospital.
Your boat also should be equipped with at least a simple
marine first-aid kit and a first-aid manual. The marine first-
aid kit should be designed for the marine environment and
be well supplied. It should be accessible and each person on
board should be aware of its location. As supplies are used,
replace them promptly. Some common drugs and antiseptics
Carbon Monoxide Detector