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NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169 Your Source for SAFETY Information www.nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2016 Marina & Boating Marina & Boating Boats can be a great source of summer fun and leisure. But, boaters, swimmers, and marina staff must be aware of dangers in and around the water. Electrical hazards and carbon monoxide (CO) bring unique risks to the boating world. Learn to protect people and pets from these dangers. Electrical shock drownings can occur when marina electrical systems leak electrical current into the water. Boats can also serve as the source of an electrical leakage. Leakage can cause a shock that can injure, disable, or kill a person. Carbon Monoxide is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is often called the “invisible killer.” CO is created when fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or propane do not burn fully. CO is also produced when wood or charcoal is burned. Sources of CO on your boat may include engines, gas generators, and cooking ranges. Space and water heaters can also be sources of CO. CO can collect anywhere in or around a boat. The gas is harmful to both people and to pets. ELECTRICAL SAFETY KKK Never allow swimming near the boat, marina, or launching ramp. Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring. This can put anyone at risk of electrical shock drownings (ESD). KKK Be sure your boat is well maintained. Have it inspected each year. Ask a qualified marine electrician to do this job. KKK Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs) should be installed and tested Run tests to find out if electrical current is leaking from the boat. KKK Only use cords intended for marine use. Never use household cords near water. KKK Know where your main breakers are on both the boat and the shore power source. This will help you respond quickly in an emergency. CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY KKK Poorly tuned engines produce more CO. Keep your engine properly maintained. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for service. KKK Proper ventilation for engine and generator exhaust vents must be clear and pipes should be inspected for leaks. KKK Get into fresh air right away and get help if you feel of CO poisoning. These include headache, fatigue, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or seizures. The can be similar to seasickness. Assume it is CO exposure until you are sure the boat is safe. KKK Do not swim near the boat’s exhaust vents. CO accumulates there. KKK Install CO alarms inside your boat. Test CO alarms before each trip. KKK Choose a CO alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. KKK If the CO alarm sounds, move to a fresh air location right away. FACT CO can remain in or around your boat at unsafe levels even if the engine has been turned off. Safety Safety KNOW THE RISKS! Whitefish Fire Department [PHONE REDACTED]