18 Steps for fueling a boat safely

Secure boat to the dock.

Secure boat to the dock.

Switch off engine(s).

Switch off engine(s) of the boat

Extinguish all open flames.

Extinguish all open flames on the boat

Do not use electrical switches.

Do not use electrical switches on a boat

No smoking.

No smoking. on a boat

Close ports, hatches, and doors.

Close ports, hatches, and doors.

Portable tanks should be refueled ashore.

Portable tanks should be refueled ashore.

Make certain all passengers are ashore.

Make certain all passengers are ashore.

Determine quantity of fuel required.

refuelling-step-09-determine-quantity-of fuel-required

Hold hose nozzle firmly against fill pipe opening.

Hold hose nozzle firmly against fill pipe opening of the boat

Do not overfill. Prevent fuel from falling into the water during fueling. This can harm the marine environment.

Do not overfill. Prevent fuel from falling into the water during fueling. This can harm the marine environment.

Wipe up all spillage.

Wipe up all spillage on the boat

Open ports, hatches, and doors to ventilate.

Open ports, hatches, and doors to ventilate.

Turn blower on for four minutes minimum.

Turn blower on for four minutes minimum.

Do the sniff test. Check for fuel fumes in the engine and fuel tank compartment.

Do the sniff test. Check for fuel fumes in the engine and fuel tank compartment.

Start engines(s).

Start engines(s) of the boat

Re-board passengers.

Re-board passengers in the boat

Untie from dock and cast off.

Untie from dock and cast off.

Proper fueling procedures are very important in preventing onboard fires. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can spread rapidly into enclosed spaces and can cause explosions. By following the safe fueling precautions below, the probability of explosion can be greatly reduced. Gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate in the bilge. The sniff test is the most effective method for detecting fuel leaks.

Tip: Always use the 'one-third rule': one-third of your fuel to get out, one-third to get back, and one-third in reserve.

Protecting the Environment

It is not uncommon to see a small fuel sheen on the water surface near boats. Although it may only be a tiny amount from some boats, the cumulative impacts can be damaging to marine life. Once in the marine environment, oils and fuels have a tendency to accumulate in bottom sediments and concentrate in marine organisms. These harmful substances commonly enter the marine environment through bilge pumping or fueling. Don't add to the problem by overfilling your tanks.

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