Maryland Boating Partnership for CO Safety
The Maryland Boating Partnership for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety is a safety program created by the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland Natural Resources Police. The goal is to make boating safer by raising awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a gas you cannot see or smell, but it can be deadly. It can build up quickly on boats, especially when engines or generators are running. Each year, people get sick or die from CO exposure on boats—often without realizing the danger.
This program focuses on preventing those incidents through education and simple safety steps. One key effort is providing and installing carbon monoxide alarms on recreational boats across Maryland. Working with marina partners statewide, the program aims to equip approximately 2,000 vessels with carbon monoxide alarms, to give boaters an early warning system if CO levels become dangerous.
The program also supports Matthew’s Law, which requires certain boats to have carbon monoxide warning labels. It helps boat owners understand the law and how to follow it. Beyond alarm distribution, the partnership focuses on several priorities by providing education, alarms, and resources to keep boaters safe on the water.
Key goals
- Teaches boaters about carbon monoxide risks
- Helps prevent injuries and deaths on the water
- Promotes the use of warning labels and alarms
- Partners with marinas and the boating community
- Shares easy-to-understand safety information
Through outreach, education, and partnerships, this program helps keep Maryland’s waterways safe for everyone.