Proper Gasoline Fueling Procedures

These procedures should be intuitively obvious. They are included here as a helpful reminder to keep you and your crew safe.

Don't smoke.
Get everyone off the boat while refueling.
Shut off all engines, electric motors, and galley stoves and turn off the battery at the main switch.
Close all compartments, ports, windows, and hatches. The idea is to keep fumes out of all spaces while fueling.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Keep the nozzle in contact with the fill to prevent static sparks.
After fueling, make sure the gas tank cap is replaced, wipe up or wash off any excess or spilled fuel, open all hatches and ports, and let the boat air out.
Operate the bilge blower for at least four minutes.
Sniff your bilge and engine compartment areas before starting your engine.

This information taken from Seaworth, January 2004, the BoatUS Marine Insurance and Damage Avoidance Report, article: Fuel Leaks & Fires.

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