Basic Boating Information

Return to Table of Contents

1

Boating Terms

2

Hull Designs

3

Boat Length

4

Propulsion

5

Capacity

6

Hull Identification Numbers

7

Homemade Boats

8

Recall Hotline

9

Theft Prevention

10

Loaning a Boat

11

Lines and Knots

12

Trailers and Trailering

13

Boat Ramps

14

Weather

15

Float Plans

16

Boat Maintenance

17

Fueling

18

Environmental Considerations

19

Chapter Review

FUELING PROCEDURES

Gas station

  • No one should be in the boat if possible. Due to the location of some fuel receptacles, however, someone may need to be in the boat to tend the fuel hose.
  • If fueling portable fuel tanks, remove them from the boat and place on the ground. Never fuel portable tanks in the boat.
  • Have rags or absorbent materials available and ready to use in the event of spillage.
  • Remove filler cap, and place fuel nozzle into fill opening, making certain the nozzle touches the fill opening to “ground” the nozzle and prevent static shock.
  • As you fuel, listen carefully to the sound of the air vent as the tank fills. As the fuel nears the top, the pitch made by the air will change, letting you know you are close to full. Also, watch the indicator gauge on the pump to determine the amount of fuel going into the tank.
  • Always leave room for fuel expansion as heat and road travel can cause spills.

Dockside

All precautions need to be in place before fueling begins (rags or absorbent material). Environmental concerns of fueling at the dock are critical. All spilled gas or oil must be immediately cleaned up.

  • Stop the engine, turn off all electrical equipment, close all compartments.
  • Remove filler cap and place nozzle into opening – ensure nozzle is grounded.
  • Watch pump and listen to air vent.
  • Stop fueling before tank is totally full. Allow room for expansion and boat movement.
  • Remove nozzle, replace fuel cap and return hose to pump.
  • Open engine compartment and perform a “sniff” test for gasoline fumes. Visually inspect bilge for signs of leakage.
  • Open windows and compartments.
  • Run ventilation blower for a minimum of 4 minutes before starting the engine.
  • Start engine.

   
Copyright © 2004-2007 American Boating Education
Last Modified: April 28, 2005