<i>Tidelines:</i> Carbon alert

1 Aug, 2003 12:56 PM2 mins to read

After two deaths aboard a fishing boat off Bayou la Batre, in Alabama, the United States Coastguard has issued an international carbon monoxide warning which has been distributed in this country by the Maritime Safety Authority. Preliminary findings in the US investigation indicate the deadly CO came from a portable generator in the forward part of the engine room, powering the air-conditioning and main deck lighting. The generator's exhaust gases vented directly into the engine room, then entered the main cabin where the victims were sleeping. The warning concludes that all exhaust systems are vented away from accommodation, working and recreational areas.

Boat sales up

Year-to-date figures just issued in the United States show sales of pleasure boats are up 17 per cent and powerboats up 23.3 per cent. Reluctance to travel and low interest rates are credited with the increase. Genmar, the company that builds 70,000 boats a year, expects sales will be up 6 per cent on last year to more than $US1 billion ($1.7 billion). Other major manufacturers predict similar rises. Industry regulatory organisations say there are more than 17 million recreational boats in the US.

Tariff dispute

A World Trade Organisation ruling that US tariffs applied to steel imports since last March are illegal will be appealed, says the National Marine Manufacturers' Association. The tariffs will remain in place until the dispute is resolved. The boating industry is paying close attention to the case because the European Union has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on imports from the US, including recreational boats.

Water-Watch

A range of winter racing continues on the Waitemata this weekend.

Saturday: Winter series (RNZYS).

Sunday: Fully crewed series (RAYC); Race 7, Bayley's winter series (GHYC); winter short-handed series (RYC); winter series (BBYC).

* Clubs and organisations planning activity on the Waitemata or Manukau harbours should register with the Auckland Regional Council Enviroline on (09) 366 2070.