Virtually everyone knows the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. On any given day you can read about someone dying from it – in their home, on a boat, in a car. But knowing about it and recognizing the symptoms are not one and the same, and it's knowing the symptoms that may help save a life.

The list of symptoms listed in various articles and medical writings as being associated with CO poisoning is quite lengthy, but the most common indicators are shortness of breath, mild nausea and headaches if the exposure level is low. With more moderate exposure levels, you are likely to see one or more of the following: intense headaches and/or nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, vision and coordination problems, vomiting, chest pain, and even confusion. At the highest levels, CO poisoning can cause the victim to black out, have convulsions and/or die, often within minutes.

On a side note, if your boat has a gasoline engine, gasoline-powered generator, stove, etc., you need to be particularly vigilant. Be sure ventilation is adequate and inspect exhaust systems on a regular basis.

For all boats, CO gas detectors should be considered of paramount importance.

– Linda Hoff