BOATING SAFETY

Everyone who owns or operates a boat should practice fire safety. Each year, boating fires and explosions injure hundreds of individuals and cause millions of dollars in property damages. Most of these accidents can be prevented. Fuels and fuel vapors are two of the leading ingredients in all boating accidents involving fires and explosions. Most fires and explosions happen during and after fueling. To prevent an accident, be alert for damage to your boat’s fuel system. Over time, fuel fittings and fuel hoses wear out. Inspect these regularly, especially near the engine where heat and vibration can accelerate deterioration. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance on inspecting for leaks in valves and connections.

Before casting off

·         Do the “ Sniff Test”.  Sniff around to make sure that there is no odor of gasoline anywhere in the boat. Usually your nose is the best fuel/vapor detector.

·         Operate the bilge power blower for at least four minutes before starting an inboard engine.

·         Make sure all passengers know the location of your fire extinguishers and how to operate them.

·         Never use a match or lighter to check fuel connections.

·         Close all hatches, ports and other openings.

·         Shut off all engines, and motors as well as all electrical equipment, radios, stoves, and other appliances.

·         Do not use cell phones during the refueling process because of the buildup of static charges.

·         Extinguish all smoking materials.

·         Portable tanks should be refueled ashore in a well-ventilated area on the ground.

·         Gasoline on contact with the skin can result in a chemical burn. Wash all skin exposed to gasoline thoroughly.

 When refueling

After refueling

·         Wipe up or wash off any excess or spilled fuel.

·         Open all hatches and ports and let the boat air out.

·         Do not start the engine until all traces of fuel vapors are eliminated.

·         Remember that gasoline on the water surface can still burn because of the vapors emitted.