Fueling safely
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Everything off, the right deck fill, nozzle contact against static, don't overfill, spills, and the gasoline blower-and-sniff check before starting.
Sources (6)
- Fueling procedure: secure the boat, switch off engine, extinguish flames, no electrical switches, close ports/hatches/doors, passengers ashore, proper type of fuel, nozzle against fill pipe, do not overfill, wipe spills, ventilate, blower four minutes minimum, sniff test, start engine, re-board passengers — boatus.org
- Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and spread into enclosed spaces — boatus.org
- Discharging petroleum is illegal under the Oil Pollution Act and Clean Water Act; a spill leaving a sheen must be reported to the Coast Guard; dispersing it with detergent is illegal; use absorbent pads — boatus.org
- Turn off engines, electrical equipment, stoves and appliances; keep the nozzle in contact so no gap for a static spark; do not rely on auto shut-off; do not fill to the top because fuel expands; secure the filler cap; blower four minutes and sniff before starting — towboatuslakelanier.com
- Know how much fuel you need; hold the nozzle rather than a hands-free clip; absorbent pad around the fill; fill to about 90% because fuel expands and exits the vent; do not check the in-dash gauge while fueling — boatus.org
- Deck fills are labeled; diesel pumped into a boat's water tank contaminates the tank and system — pointseast.com
General guidance for recreational boaters — your engine and equipment manuals and local regulations come first.