Crew
Next - OperationsPrevious - Keeping afloatAvoiding carbon monoxide poisoning aboard a vessel
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a by-product of carbon-based fuel products such as wood, paraffin, LPG, petrol and diesel. CO is produced when the fuel does not burn completely. It is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that in high concentrations can be fatal, sometimes in as little as a few minutes. CO kills by replacing the oxygen in the bloodstream that prevents essential supplies to your body tissues, heart, brain and other vital organs. Survivors of severe CO poisonings can be left with long-term brain damage such as poorer concentration or mood swings, etc. Even breathing-in low levels of CO over a long period will cause serious memory problems and concentration difficulty. The risk of CO poisoning is extremely high in leisure boats. This is because of a tendency to run engines for long periods whilst charging batteries and/or when a vessel is becalmed where the engines may run for days on end. All that is required is an exhaust back-draft, due to a wind shift, or an exhaust leak and the integrity that keeps water out then serves to make the perfect container to collect gas and fumes. This makes CO the 'silent killer' of pleasure boaters.
Dealing with illness, injury and medical conditions at sea
At sea or in very remote locations you may be completely cut off from any medical assistance for extended periods. Should you have a critical medical situation it is down to the crew members to address the situation.
A safe and protective guard and handhold at the galley stove
Working on the stove at sea is a challenge, with or without a galley strap. It is far too easy to fall upon the stove and grab hold of it for support.
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