5
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 poisoning 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.
•
Contact medical help. If the victim is not breathing, perform rescue breathing or approved
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as appropriate, until medical help arrives. Prompt action
can mean the difference between life and death.
•
Shut off potential sources of CO, if possible. Correct ventilation problems and/or repair exhaust
problems as appropriate. Investigate the source of CO and take corrective action, such as
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