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.

Boat on fire

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.

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.

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