Maritime Attorneys

Carbon Monoxide on Ships – A Silent Killer

While many sailors are constantly on the lookout for the dangers commonly associated with sea work and travel, other, more “mundane” hazards are often ignored. These silent killers can be in the form of materials like asbestos, or in the colorless, odorless gas, carbon monoxide.

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a common gas, undetectable by sight, smell, or taste. It is produced by the burning of any carbon-based fuel source. These fuel sources include gasoline, propane, and charcoal. Many sailors are unaware that boats contain several sources of carbon monoxide, including engines, space heaters, and generators.

When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it blocks out the oxygen needed for the body to function, leading to dizziness, nausea, headache, and weakness. Because these symptoms are so similar to seasickness, they can often go unnoticed in a nautical setting. The danger, however, is very real. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to death.

Where Carbon Monoxide Gathers

Because CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, humans usually cannot detect its presence until it is too late. Knowing where and how CO accumulates on a boat or ship can save your life.

• Enclosed spaces – any area without good ventilation should be suspect.
• Blocked Exhaust Pipes – if the exhaust vent is obstructed, the CO gas may accumulate around the boat instead.
• While stopped or idling – if the ship is moving at slow speeds or not at all, CO gas has a chance to gather around its source areas.
• Back drafting
• Other boats – other boats are sources of CO as well. If another vessel is stopped near yours, it may be flooding your ship with CO fumes.

For safety’s sake, you should constantly be on the lookout for risk factors of CO accumulation and for symptoms of CO poisoning. Spotting a case of CO poisoning early on is critical for saving a life.

It is the responsibility of a shipowner to provide their employees with a safe working environment. If you are a sailor who has been hurt because your employer failed to do so, call a maritime lawyer from Williams Kherkher at 866-950-9000 for a free initial consultation.