Pumping gas into your boat is not as common a routine as filling up your car. In fact, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. To keep your crew safe, here are a few do's and don'ts to follow each time you go boating.
DO
* Ask everyone to get off the boat.
* Shut off everything, including the battery at the main switch.
* Close all compartments and vents to keep vapors out.
* Keep the fuel fill nozzle in contact with the fill entry to prevent static electricity.
* Turn on the blower for at least four minutes when finished.
DON'T
* Run the blower while refueling.
* Fiddle with battery connections at the gas dock.
* Use the VHF or anything electrical if there's fuel in the bilge.
* Overlook the fire extinguisher; keep it in a handy spot.
* Forget to smell for fuel in the bilge on a regular basis.
Source: BoatU.S.
Originally Published: April 2004
©
2010 Bonnier Corporation
