Boat Explosions: Fueling With Gasoline

On April 14, 2008 I made a post about fueling http://newboatbuilders.blogspot.com/2008/04/boating-safety-boat-accidents-and_7847.html

Two incidents in two days have made it plain how important it is to use proper fueling procedures and keep your fuel and electrical systems properly maintained. One took place in Australia: http://optuszoo.news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=456897&rss=yes&_cobr=optus

The other was on Lake Lanier near Atlanta GA in the US. http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=115327

Be very careful. Follow the proper procedures; Make sure your boat is properly maintained. Here they are again.

1. Tie up your boat securely and have everyone get off the boat. Shut all the power on the boat off. Turn off the battery switches. If you have a propane system with any automatic pilot lights, shut them off. Obviously, NO SMOKING.

2. Close up the boat tight. Make sure all the hatches, doors, ports and vents are closed.

3. Fuel the boat yourself. Makes sure the nozzle is in the right opening. You would be surprised at how many people have tried to fuel through a fish pole holder or filled the water tank with gas. Make sure the nozzle stays in contact with the fuel fill. Your tank and fuel system is grounded ad connected to the fuel fill so any static will be harmlessly discharged. Howver if you don't make intital contact with the fill a spark could jump.

4. Make every attempt not to spill fuel or over fill the tank. Know how much your tank holds and keep track of how much you use. Know how much you need to pum. Clean up any spills on the boat or drips. Dispose of the rags properly. Do not spill overboard. This not only pollutes the environment, it can get you a hefty fine.

5. Now open the boat up completely. Open the doors, windows, hatches, ports and the engine room. Check the engine room bilge for fuel by both looking and sniffing. The best gas detector is your nose.

6. Turn the battery switch on and start the engine room blower. Let it run for at least five minutes.

7. Start the engines. Close up the engine room hatch and other doors and hatches you don't want open. Get everyone back on board. Turn on any other power switches and applainces that need to be on.

8. Get underway