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Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada. K1A 0N8
Accredited Logo
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada. K1A 0N8

Fuelling Procedures

Gasoline fuel and fumes are extremely hazardous! Fuel and fumes need only a single spark to cause an explosion or to start a blaze. Spilled fuel is also extremely harmful to marine life.

The following is a step-by-step guide that you should follow when refueling a boat:

Before Fueling

  • Moor the boat securely;
  • Shut down all engines;
  • Ensure that all passengers are off the vessel during fueling;
  • Extinguish all open flames;
  • Do not smoke in the fueling area;
  • Switch off all electrical equipment;
  • Close all doors, windows, and ports;
  • Place your on board fire extinguisher within easy reach; and
  • Move all portable tanks ashore (never fuel a portable tank in the boat).

During Fueling

  • Hold the fuel nozzle firmly against the boat’s filler pipe to prevent a build-up of static electricity; and
  • Know how much fuel your tank can hold and do not overfill it — you have a duty to prevent fuel spills.

After Fueling

  • Clean up any spillage if necessary;
  • Open doors, hatches and ports;
  • Place your portable tanks back in the boat. All portable fuel tanks should be kept away from sparks and heat and stowed in a well-ventilated location;
  • Operate your vessel’s engine compartment blower for at least four (4) minutes immediately before starting up the engine (for inboard gasoline engine ony);
  • Check for vapours from the engine compartment before you start up the engine; and
  • Sniff for vapour odours in bilges and cabins.
REMEMBER: You should always run the blower for at least 4 minutes before starting an inboard engine.

Study Guide