Press Releases
USCG, NIOSH and Marine Industry Leaders
Join Forces to Eliminate CO on Recreational Vessels
April 22, 2003, Edgewater, MD: The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) recently organized a two-day workshop sponsored by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on carbon monoxide (CO). This workshop, held in Annapolis, MD, was designed to present the state of current research, technologies, education, and engineering solutions to the CO risks on recreational vessels, and to foster innovative solutions through partnership between governmental agencies and the recreational boating industry.
A diverse audience of over 80 representatives, including boat manufacturers, engine manufacturers, generator manufacturers, representatives from the houseboat industry – both manufacturers and rentals, research institutes, government agencies, industry associations, CO detector manufacturers, equipment manufacturers and many more, came together to work towards finding solutions to this important problem.
Phil Cappel, Chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Division of the USCG commented, "While we know that controlling CO at the source would be the best overall solution, we wanted the group to come up with solutions outside of current technology." Cappel added, "Technology such as the Emissions Control Device (ECD) and the vertical stack exhaust system have been proven to help control and lower CO concentrations, but they do not eliminate it entirely."
In addition to formal presentations, the format of the workshop involved all participants in "Brainstorming sessions" and focus groups. G. Scott Earnest, Ph.D., P.E., C.S.P., Mechanical Engineer, NIOSH said, "Many creative and useful ideas were generated as a result of this workshop." "We were able to bring together industry and government to focus on engineering solutions to this problem including: cleaner burning engines, exhaust after treatment, and the vertical exhaust stack. Some of these technologies have already been implemented where appropriate, but more work needs to be done. We are all eager to explore the possibilities and eliminate this hazard," Earnest concluded.
Some of the solutions discussed were:
- Technology transfer from outboard technology to the main engine;
- Expanding the current catalyst research to include CO;
- Vertical exhaust stacks and emission control devices (ECDs);
- Developing a CO alarm that withstands moisture and heat in the exhaust system;
- Warning labels on the exhaust terminus;
- Developing and distributing educational materials to boaters about the hazard;
- Developing engineering control design and verification specifications.
Breakout groups were also formed in three main areas: Generator Control Technologies, Drive Engine Control Technologies, and Regulations and Education. In-depth discussion surrounding these topics allowed for details of the proposed solutions to be explored further, as well as develop potential goals and timelines.
Philippe Ras, ABYC's Technical Director commented, "All attendees recognized that there might not be one 'fix all' solution for the industry, but with the industry wide support that was evident at this workshop, it is apparent that solutions are on the horizon." Ras further stated, "Bringing industry together to effect positive change in boating safety is an inherent part of ABYC's mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to assist the USCG and NIOSH in this endeavor."
As an agency of the Federal government and a servant of the public, the U.S. Coast Guard, in its role as the designated National Recreational Boating Safety Coordinator, is a leader in improving the boating experience of the maritime public. The USCG is an organization noted for working in partnership with all stakeholders within the waterways activity spectrum and across all modes of transportation to reach consensus solutions. More information on the Office of Boating Safety can be found at www.uscgboating.org.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is the Federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related disease and injury. For more information on NIOSH you may visit their Web Site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/about.html. For more information on NIOSH research related to CO poisonings on recreational boats go to the following Web Site: http://safetynet.smis.doi.gov/COhouseboats.htm.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is a not-for-profit organization that has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for nearly 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM and in printed form. For more information on this workshop, you may call ABYC at (410) 956-1050. Membership and general information can be requested by also calling (410) 956-1050 or by visiting the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org.
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