Boating Basics: Before Going
Out on Your Vessel
Fueling a Vessel
Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency. If you must
refuel after dark, use only electric lights. Try to refuel away
from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp.
Before beginning to fuel:
- Dock the boat securely and ask all passengers to exit.
- Do not allow anyone to smoke or strike a match.
- Check all fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents.
- Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines,
fans, or electrical equipment.
- Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames,
such as galley stoves and pilot lights.
- Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to
prevent fumes from entering the boat.
- Remove portable fuel tanks and fill them on the dock.
While filling the fuel tank:
- Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in contact with
the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark.
- Avoid spilling fuel into the boat’s bilge or the water.
- Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room to expand.
After fueling:
- Wipe up any spilled fuel.
- Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.
Additional Safety Procedures for PWCs
- Do not tip the PWC in order to fill it all the way up. If
the tank is overfilled, the fuel may expand and spill into
the water.
- After fueling, open the door of
the engine compartment and
sniff to check for any evidence
of gas fumes. Do this before
starting the engine. If you do
smell gas fumes, determine the
source and make repairs immediately.
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