Safe Boating

Boating Safety Overview - Refuelling

This is when boats are most vulnerable to fire and/or explosion. A few simple precautions make it safer.

Before refuelling:

1. Moor the boat securely.
2. Turn off the engine(s) and all electrical circuits.
3. Douse all open flames, including pilot lights.
4. Close all doors, ports and deck hatches.
5. Get everyone out of the boat and on shore.
6. Make sure no one is smoking nearby.
7. Take portable gas cans out of the boat to fill on shore.
8. Ground the nozzle against the filler pipe.
9. Fit overflow container onto fuel tank air intake.
10. Double check that you have opened the fuel tank, not the water tank.

Refuel:

1. Do not overfill on board fuel tanks
2. Leave space in top of portable tanks.
3. Make sure the tank is properly closed.
4. Remove air intake overflow container.
5. Clean up any spills.

Before restarting engine(s):

1. Re-place portable cans securely.
2. Open doors, hatches, ports.
3. Turn on ventilation fan and run for five minutes.
4. Visually check in the bilge for spilled fuel and/or…
5. Check fan exhaust for raw fuel smell and if present, do not start engine until you have checked the bilges.
6. Start engine(s) before passengers/guests re-board.