Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

Page: 36 / 180

B
OATING
S
AFETY
4627 9/02
S
ECTION
1
1.6.1 Preventing CO Exposure
To help prevent the accumulation of CO in your boat’s cabin and in enclosed
exterior areas:
• Pay attention to prevailing conditions and provide ventilation to induce
fresh air and minimize exhaust re-entry. Position the boat to maximize
the dissipation of CO. Be aware that CO can enter the boat through
cockpit and deck drains, especially when the cockpit and deck are
enclosed.
• Do not operate the engines or generator for more than a very short
period of time while the boat is stationary, especially if the boat is
rafted or moored in a confined area.
• Be aware that mooring and anchoring in an area where other boats’
engines or generators are running may put your boat in an atmosphere
containing CO, even if your boat’s engines and generator are not run-
ning.
• Keep the engine room hatch(es) closed when operating the engines and
generator.
• Be aware that exterior enclosures can create air flows that draw in and
trap CO in the enclosed areas. Provide adequate ventilation to these
areas.
• Do not occupy aft lounging areas, including the boarding platform, or
swim near the engine exhaust outlets while the engines or generator
are running.
• Because CO production is greater when the engines are cold, minimize
the time spent getting underway.
• Avoid backdrafting. Backdrafting occurs when air moving past the boat
creates a low pressure or suction area near the stern. This low pressure
area can draw CO into the boat’s cabin and enclosed exterior areas.
Under certain speed and operating conditions, the low pressure area
may form in other areas of the boat and permit CO to enter through
openings that are not near the stern.
To avoid backdrafting:
- Maintain the proper trim angle; avoid a high bow angle.
- Distribute the boat’s load evenly.