Boating Basics: Before Going Out

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.

The most important safe fueling practice …

If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes after fueling and before starting your engine to remove gas vapors in the bilge.