Refueling your boat is a routine task that, if done carelessly, can lead to serious safety hazards. To ensure the well-being of yourself, your vessel, and the environment, follow these key tips for safe and responsible refueling.

1. Ensure No Open Flames and Power Off Engines and Electronics

To avoid igniting fuel vapors, turn off all engines and electronic devices onboard. This includes any appliances that could generate a spark. Ensure that no open flames, such as candles or stoves, are active during the refueling process.

2. Keep Ports, Hatches, and Doors Closed

To prevent fuel vapors from entering the boat and building up inside, keep all ports, hatches, and doors closed while refueling.

3. No Passengers on Board When Fueling

Ask all passengers to disembark from the vessel during the refueling process. This not only ensures their safety but also minimizes the load on the boat, reducing the likelihood of spills.

4. Prohibit Smoking

Make it a strict rule: no smoking on or near the boat while refueling. Cigarettes can ignite fuel vapors, leading to fire or explosion.

5. Use the Correct Fuel for Your Boat

Always refer to your boat's engine manual to determine the correct type of fuel to use. Using the wrong type of fuel can damage your engine or pose safety risks.

6. Hold the Hose Nozzle Firmly Against the Intake Opening

To minimize the risk of spills and sparks, firmly hold the fuel nozzle against the fuel intake port on your boat. This secure connection helps prevent the nozzle from slipping or leaking fuel and reduces the risk of a static electric charge igniting gasoline vapors.

When fuel flows through the nozzle, it creates a static electric charge that could "jump across" an air gap and ignite the gasoline. Keeping the nozzle in firm contact with the fuel port ensures this static charge has no opportunity to spark. Additionally, when you release the fill trigger, wait a few seconds to allow any remaining fuel in the nozzle to drain fully before rotating the nozzle inward and upward to prevent spills. Always hand the nozzle back to the dock attendant with the tip pointed upward to avoid dripping fuel overboard.

A Few Additional Tips:

• Never tap the nozzle against the fuel fill port, as this can also cause sparks.
• Make it a habit to use these same precautions when refueling your car so that safe refueling becomes second nature when boating.

When fueling up, make sure you're aiming for the fuel intake and not a rod holder or water outlet. A mix-up like that could not only spoil your day but also turn you into a star on @qualifiedcaptain.

7. Don't Overfill - Leave Room for Expansion

Fuel expands as it warms, so fill your tank to about 90% capacity to allow for expansion. Overfilling can cause spills, especially on hot days. Keep absorbent pads or cloths handy to catch any accidental spills.

8. Use Your Nose to Check for Leaks & Spills

The nose knows! Before you begin fueling, use your nose to detect any unusual odors or signs of fuel leakage around the fuel system. A strong smell of gasoline or diesel may indicate a leak, which needs immediate attention to prevent further problems.

In Case of a Spill

If a fuel spill occurs, immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center (800-424-8802). Quick action can mitigate environmental damage and help in the proper handling of the spill.

After Fueling

Once you've finished refueling, do not start the engine right away. First, open all doors, ports, and hatches to ventilate your boat thoroughly. Turn on the blower, if available, and let it run for at least four minutes to ensure any accumulated vapors are expelled.

By following these safety protocols, you can ensure that your refueling process is safe and environmentally responsible. Remember, careful planning and following proper procedures are key to preventing accidents and protecting our waterways.

Plan Ahead for Your Next Refuel: 

As you travel along the Intracoastal Waterway this season, consider making your stops at Oasis Marinas locations. Take advantage of convenient fuel docks, competitive prices, and an experienced team ready to assist at their many locations along the ICW.

Before you set sail, ensure you know where to dock for the best fuel prices. Use our Explorer to locate nearby fuel docks and check our Fuel Price List to ensure you're getting the best deal.