How to refuel your vessel safely

Before you begin

1. Switch off your engine/s.
2. Ensure your vessel is securely moored against the jetty, wharf or shore, and do not let another vessel tie up alongside you.
3. Turn off or put out all potential sources of flame or sparks, such as cigarettes, pilot lights, gas refrigerators, electrical equipment, batteries and mobile phones.
4. Close all hatches and doors.
5. Read any instructions provided at the refuelling facility.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask an attendant for help.
7. Always have the correct fire-fighting equipment on board. Make sure it is easy to reach, in good working order and you know how to use it.
8. Be aware of any other fire-fighting equipment nearby.
9. Look for the nearest spill kit and consider carrying a small kit with you so you can quickly clean up any small spills.
10. Instruct all your crew and passengers to leave the boat.

During refuelling

1. Double check that no-one else is onboard.
2. Ensure the hose nozzle is in the tank before starting the dispenser, and make sure you have selected the correct fuel for your engine/s.
3. Always operate the fuel dispenser by hand. Never lock or jam it in the open position.
4. Maintain firm contact between the hose nozzle and the filler neck to avoid static sparks. Keep your feet firmly on the deck, wharf or pontoon at all times.
5. Be careful not to overfill your tank/s. Fuel expands in high temperatures.
6. Try not to spill any fuel.
7. Ensure the dispenser is off before removing the hose nozzle from the tank.
8. Keep a soft rag handy to immediately clean up any drips as you remove the hose nozzle.
9. Ensure you replace the fuel cap.

After refuelling

1. Open all hatches and doors and ensure the engine bay and bilges have adequate ventilation.
2. Use a ‘bilge blower’ after refuelling to help remove fumes. Run the blower for a sufficient time to clear fumes, depending on the capacity of the blower and the size of the engine space.
3. Take the time to make sure any ‘dead spaces’ are clear of fumes and remember that fumes will tend to accumulate in the lowest part of the vessel, which may vary depending on how the vessel is loaded.
4. Check to see if any fuel has spilled into the bilges. If it has, manually pump the bilges out into a container or an onshore tank and then thoroughly ventilate the bilges.
5. Start the engine only when you are satisfied that the boat is free of fumes – use your sense of smell in conjunction with an appropriate gas detector to locate any pockets of remaining petrol vapour. If you suspect any vapours, fully vent the space and check for leaks in the fuel system.
6. Allow passengers to board the vessel only after you have started the engine and allowed it to run for several minutes.
7. Don’t stay alongside a refuelling facility longer than necessary. If you wish to load supplies and boating gear, use another location.

More information

More information on fuel for your vessel can be found in the Boating Handbook (PDF 7.82MB) and the Onboard Fuel Brochure (PDF 1.89MB).