FUELING PROCEDURES

Most recreational boaters have two options for fueling, a gas station or a marina. Precautions need to be taken when fueling to prevent environmental damage and fire. Gasoline vapors can explode.  Ignition of spilled fuel vapors continues to cause injuries and fatalities. The probability of explosion can be reduced by following safe fueling procedures. Use of ethanol fuels in equipment not designed for these fuel types can result in equipment malfunction.

Here are some recommended practices for safe fueling.

Gas station

The most common destination for refueling a boat is the gas station. Here are some precautions to take:

• No one should be in the boat if possible. Due to the location of some fuel receptacles, however, someone may need to be in the boat to tend the fuel hose. All other persons should be off the boat.
• Extinguish all flammables and do not smoke.
• If fueling portable fuel tanks, remove them from the boat and place on the ground. Never fuel portable tanks in the boat.
• Have rags or absorbent materials available and ready to use in the event of spillage.
• Remove filler cap, and place fuel nozzle into fill opening, making certain the nozzle touches the fill opening to "ground" the nozzle and prevent static shock.
• As you fuel, listen carefully to the sound of the air vent as the tank fills. As the fuel nears the top, the pitch made by the air will change, letting you know you are close to full. Also, watch the indicator gauge on the pump to determine the amount of fuel going into the tank.
• Always leave room for fuel expansion as heat and road travel can cause spills.

Dockside

All precautions need to be in place before fueling begins (rags or absorbent material). Environmental concerns of fueling at the dock are critical. All spilled gas or oil must be immediately cleaned up.

• Stop the engine, turn off all electrical equipment, and close all compartments.
• Have all passengers leave the boat.
• Extinguish all flammables and do not smoke.
• Take precautions to prevent any fuel spilling into the water. Have rags or absorbent material ready to use. If rags or absorbent material is used to clean up a spill, discard this material in an approved receptacle on the dock. Leaving it in the boat is a fire hazard.
• Remove filler cap and place nozzle into opening - ensure nozzle is grounded.
• Watch pump and listen to air vent.
• Stop fueling before tank is totally full. Allow room for expansion and boat movement.
• Remove nozzle, replace fuel cap and return hose to pump.
• Open engine compartment and perform a "sniff" test for gasoline fumes. Visually inspect bilge for signs of leakage.
• Open windows and compartments.
• Run ventilation blower for a minimum of 4 minutes before starting the engine to remove any fuel vapors. Perform a "sniff" to smell for gasoline. If you do smell gasoline, continue to run the blower and determine the source of the gasoline smell.
• Once you are certain there are no gasoline vapors, start the engine.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF FUELING

The marine environment is for all to enjoy and each and every boater has the responsibility of making minimum impact on the environment. "Boat Green" means eliminating the potential of polluting our waters and shoreline areas. Take the necessary precautions to prevent spills while fueling. The fines associated with illegal dumping are severe.

If spills occur while fueling

• Immediately clean up any spilled fuel or oil by using absorbent materials.
• If the spill is too large for simple cleanup, contact the marina operator immediately. Your marina may have containment devices such as oil booms and they should be used to contain the spilled product until a professional waste management company can be contacted.
• If the oil spill has the potential to create a hazardous situation, call 911 or 1-800-424-8802 (USCG Emergency Response Hotline).
• The EPA and/or the USCG are to be notified for guidance. If the spill was the fault of the boat operator, he or she has the responsibility of contacting legal authorities responsible for environmental laws.