After Fueling Your Boat
![Tightening a fuel cap Boater tightening a fuel cap](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1337/attachments/original/fuel_cap_tighten.jpg?1503937834)
After fueling:
- Put the fill cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping.
- Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.
- If your boat is equipped with a power ventilation system (exhaust blower), turn it on for at least four minutes before starting your engine. This will help eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge.
- Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fuel vapors. Continue ventilating until you cannot smell any fuel vapors. Consider installing a gas vapor detection and alarm device.
- Start the engine and then reload your passengers.