Safe boat fueling procedures should begin as part of your marina's fire safety plan. Spilled fuel can cause fires and is a concern for marine oil pollution.
Fueling a boat improperly can cause an oil spill and there is a risk of fire or explosion if safety is not considered in the process. Taking a few precautions can reduce the chance of this happening. Safe fueling is part of the effort we to make for Ecologically Friendly Boating.
Know the capacity of your fuel tank. If your tank holds 50 gallons and the pump is reading 49, you are nearly finished filling the tank. There are air-fuel separators or whistles available that can be put on the fuel tank vent line. They provide a warning when the tank is nearly full. Carry an adsorbent pad to wrap around the fuel nozzle while you are using it. Many fuel docks provide these to their customers. Fill portable tanks at upland facilities or away from the boat. If a few drops of fuel are spilt, it is better to let it evaporate than use soap to disperse it. Learn safe fueling procedures to reduce pollution and the chance of fire.
- Before Fueling
- Stop all engines and auxiliaries
- Shut off all electricity, open flames, and heat sources
- Check bilges for fuel vapors
- Extinguish all smoking materials
- Close access fittings and openings that could allow fuel vapors to enter the boat's enclosed spaces
- Remove all personnel from the boat except the person handling the fueling hose During Fueling
- Maintain nozzle contact with fill pipe
- Fuel filling nozzle must be attended at all times
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Avoid overfilling After Fueling and Before starting Engine
- Inspect bilges for leakage or fuel odors
- Ventilate until odors are removed
While on the subject of marine fuel, we have discussed some of the issues surrounding the use of ethyl alcohol in gasoline. Refer to Ethanol Fuel Problems for Boaters for more information on ways to mitigate the impact of this new fuel.
