Boating season is in full swing in Northeast Ohio, and people are enjoying sunshine, relaxation, and time on the water. But without proper precautions, what started as a fun day of boating can turn tragic.

Carbon monoxide can create a deadly situation on many recreational boats, as the colorless and odorless gas builds up in the air space beneath the stern deck or in the cabin, cockpit, bridge, or even an open area. When CO builds up, it can kill a person in seconds.

Carbon monoxide enters your bloodstream through the lungs and displaces the oxygen your body needs. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause death. CO poisoning can also cause a person to pass out, fall into the water, and drown. A person sleeping on a boat might suffer from CO poisoning and die without ever having symptoms.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide on Boats

If you were injured or someone you love was killed on a boat, Robenalt Law can help. Tom Robenalt has been representing injury victims for more than 25 years. He has the experience, resources, and expertise to evaluate your case, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. It is produced when carbon-based fuels like gasoline and propane are burned. Sources of CO gas on boats include engines, generators, space heaters, water heaters, and cooking ranges.

Normally, the amount of CO these sources produce is not a cause for concern. However, the layout of some boats and how they are operated can cause carbon monoxide buildup, creating a hazardous and even deadly situation.

Causes of CO Buildup

Many large boats are equipped with generators that emit carbon monoxide gas toward the stern of the watercraft. Carbon monoxide can build up near the swim platform or stern deck of the boat.

Idling or traveling at slow speeds can cause CO to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, or stern deck. Wind blowing from the stern can expedite the buildup of carbon monoxide in the cabin of the boat.

Cruising at certain speeds or in a certain direction can increase carbon monoxide concentrations in the boat. This is known as back drafting and can occur when the boat is heavily loaded and operated at a high bow angle. If there is an opening near the exhaust, the emissions will funnel quickly through the opening.

Anchoring or mooring too close to boats with running gas engines or onboard generators can pose a CO threat. Dangerous levels of CO emitted from these boats can funnel into your boat.

A clogged exhaust or improperly ventilated enclosure can cause CO buildup and quickly create life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide in the cabin of the vessel.

How to Avoid the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

There are steps you can take to minimize the risk of CO poisoning.

• Install a maintain a marine-grade carbon monoxide detector inside the boat.
• Ensure that all fuel-burning engines and appliances are properly installed and maintained.
• Educate passengers about the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.
• Swim and play away from areas where engine exhaust can accumulate, especially at the stern.
• Watch children closely when they play on swim decks or water platforms.
• Never block exhaust outlets. Blocking outlets can cause CO to build up in the cabin and cockpit areas–even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.
• Anchor or dock your boat at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine.

If you suspect a person is experiencing CO poisoning, move them to fresh air immediately and contact emergency services.

Contact the Boating Accident Injury Lawyers at Robenalt Law

If you were injured or someone you love was killed on a boat, Robenalt Law can help. Tom Robenalt has been representing injury victims for more than 25 years. He has the experience, resources, and expertise to evaluate your case, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable.

The boating accident injury lawyers at Robenalt will work to identify the cause of the accident and hold the responsible party accountable. As with other types of personal injury claims, determining liability after a boating accident requires a showing of negligence.

Most boating injury claims are covered by an insurance policy. We will attempt to negotiate with the insurance company to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries. If we cannot settle your claim, our lawyers have the experience and resources to litigate your claim in court and, if necessary, take your case to trial.

The lawyers at Robenalt Law handle boating accident injury claims on a contingency fee, which means you won’t pay a fee unless we recover money for you.

To learn more and discuss how we can help, contact Robenalt Law today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation. Call us at (216) 223-7535, complete our online form, or email trobenalt@robenaltlaw.com.