If you’re squeezing in the last few days on the boat, enjoying year-round waters, or thinking ahead for next year, remember that though boat fuelling might seem like a routine procedure, it’s actually a situation where a lot of serious accidents can occur. It’s important to always be aware of, and regularly review, safe boat fuelling practices.

BEFORE FUELLING

• Avoid refuelling at night, and if you have to fuel in the dark, only use electric lights. 
• Make sure that there are fire extinguishers or other firefighting appliances and methods available.
• Keep passengers off the boat.
• Just like with automobiles, keep smoke, matches, lighters, and other potential ignition sources well away from the boat. 
• Turn off pilot lights, engines, fans, fuel valves, and anything else that might cause a spark.
• Close doors, windows, ports, and any other hatches or openings to keep fumes out.
  

WHILE FUELLING

• Keep the nozzle open with your hand, rather than locking or jamming the trigger open.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the fuel tank opening, to prevent static sparks.
• Fill the tank slowly, using a cloth to catch any spills or drips. DO NOT OVERFILL.
• Lift the hose to drain any remaining fuel into the tank, and clean up any spills. 

AFTER FUELLING

• Open the hatches and openings you previously closed.
• Wait until the boat is free of fumes before starting the exhaust blower, if you have one. Let it run for the manufacturer’s recommended time.
• Conduct a sniff test for fuel vapours in the bilge and engine compartments. This is where an alarm system is very handy!
• Start the engine when you are satisfied that there are no remaining fumes.
• Bring passengers back onboard. 
• Dispose of any fuel-soaked items properly.