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.