Here's What Is Important to Remember When Fuelling a Boat

Gasoline and gasoline fumes are explosive. Take great care when refuelling by following this checklist:

• Secure the boat to the dock.
• Switch off engine(s).
• Make certain all persons not involved in fuelling are ashore.
• Extinguish all open flames.
• No smoking.
• Switch off electrical equipment.
• Close ports, hatches and doors.
• Portable tanks must be refuelled ashore. (If you take portable tanks to a gas station, tanks must be removed from the vehicle before filling.)
• Hold hose nozzle firmly against the fill pipe opening to prevent sparks from static electricity.
• Do not overfill.
• Wipe up all spillage.
• Open ports, hatches and doors.
• Operate blower for at least four minutes immediately before every start-up
• Before starting engine, test for fuel vapour (use your nose).

Note: New environmental laws affecting diesel fuel mean frequent changes to the type of diesel fuel available at the pump. Follow the safety instructions provided by fuel suppliers, as well as your boat’s engine and system user manuals.

Every year several thousand boating incidents are reported to the enforcement authorities. The most frequently reported incident is either mechanical failure or lack of fuel. Check the fuel supply each time you leave the dock. Ensure that there is enough to complete the journey. A simple rule for fuel supply is one-third out, one-third back and one-third in reserve. More fuel is used when a boat is bucking a head wind, waves and current. If it can be arranged, go upwind, up-current first. It is easier to get back again.

Sources: CanBoat’s Pleasure Craft Operator Card Course and Transport Canada.