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 and Ski Craft
 Avoid
spills when fueling in or near
the water.- After fueling and
before starting the engine, open
the door of the engine compartment
and sniff to
check for any evidence of gas fumes. If you smell gas
fumes, find the source and make repairs immediately.
- Do
not tip the PWC or "ski
craft" to "fill
all the way up." The tank provides for fuel expansion;
if over-filled, gasoline may expand and spill into
the water.
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