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.
 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.
Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
This switch can help you avoid
becoming stranded without fuel.
- Use the “Off” position when the
PWC’s engine is turned off.
- Use the “On” position while you are
underway.
- Use the “Reserve” position if you run out of fuel while
underway. This will allow you to return to shore. Don’t
forget to switch back to “On” after refueling.
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