Fueling Procedures

Follow these procedures when fueling a boat fitted with a gasoline or diesel engine:

  • Moor the boat and shut down the engine(s).
  • Ensure that all persons not involved in fueling the boat are ashore.
  • Extinguish all open flames and do not smoke in fueling area.
  • Switch off electrical equipment and close all doors, windows and ports.
  • Move portable tanks ashore and ground the nozzle against the filler pipe.
  • To prevent overflow, do not overfill the tank and clean up any spillage.
  • Before switching on the ignition, use the exhaust fan to activate ventilation in the engine compartment for at least four minutes.
  • Check for fuel vapor odors.

A fueling safety practice is the rule of thirds: 1/3 of the fuel for the trip out, 1/3 for the return trip and 1/3 for reserve. In addition, ensure you have adequate oil.

Every boat must have ignition protected electrical devices. These are designed and constructed so they will not ignite a flammable hydrocarbon mixture (like gasoline or propane). Your boat might also need a fire extinguisher. To use a fire extinguisher, direct it at the base of the flames. Sweep the discharge nozzle from side to side and continue this for a few seconds after the flames are exhausted. If the boat is moving, position it so the fire is downwind and stop the motor, if it is safe to do so.