Preventing emergencies: fuelling, ventilation, carbon monoxide and protecting the environment

Fuelling safely

Gasoline vapour is heavier than air: it sinks into the bilge and enclosed spaces, where a single spark can cause an explosion. Follow this order every time:

Before fuelling

• Tie the boat securely to the dock; fuel during daylight if possible.
• Turn off engines, electrical equipment, stoves and pilot lights; no smoking, no open flames.
• Have passengers leave the boat.
• Close all windows, doors, hatches and ports so vapours cannot enter the cabin.
• Portable tanks: take them off the boat and fill them on the dock or shore.
• Know where the fire extinguisher is.

While fuelling

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the fill pipe to prevent static sparks.
• Do not overfill - leave room for expansion; use a rag or absorbent pad to catch drips.

After fuelling

• Wipe up any spill and dispose of rags properly on shore.
• Open all hatches, windows and ports to ventilate.
• Run the engine compartment blower for at least 4 minutes before starting a gasoline inboard engine.
• Sniff the bilge and engine compartment - if you smell gasoline, do not start the engine; find the source.
• Then let passengers back on board.

Key fact: Run the blower at least 4 minutes and sniff before starting a gasoline inboard. Never start the engine if you smell fuel.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

• CO is produced by engines, generators and fuel-burning heaters and stoves. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless.
• Symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness - often mistaken for seasickness.
• Danger areas: the stern and swim platform while engines run, enclosed cabins, behind another boat's exhaust, and slow speeds with a following wind ("station-wagon effect").
• Prevention: install and test CO alarms, keep exhaust systems in good repair, ventilate, and never let anyone hold onto or swim near the swim platform while the engine or generator runs. CO can also harm swimmers near the exhaust.

Electrical and engine safety

Inspect fuel lines and connections each season, keep the bilge clean and dry, and carry spare fuses and a tool kit. Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas when charging - ventilate and keep sparks away.

Protecting the environment

Issue	What to do
Sewage	Discharge of sewage is prohibited in designated areas (many lakes and harbours); use a holding tank and pump-out stations; never discharge untreated sewage near swimmers or shore
Garbage	Bring all garbage back to shore; never throw anything overboard - plastics and fishing line kill wildlife
Oil and fuel	Prevent spills; use absorbent pads in the bilge; never pump oily bilge water overboard; report spills
Grey water and cleaners	Use biodegradable, phosphate-free products sparingly; clean the boat on land when possible
Wake and shoreline	Slow down near shore to prevent erosion and damage to nesting areas and docks
Aquatic invasive species	Clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before moving to another waterway (zebra and quagga mussels, invasive plants)
Wildlife	Keep your distance; do not chase or harass birds or marine mammals
Noise	Use a muffler in good working order (required - fine $250); avoid noisy operation near shore and at night

Shallow water: avoid running in shallow areas where your propeller or jet pump stirs up sediment and damages plants; PWCs should run in water at least 76 cm deep.

Quick review

1. Where do you fill a portable fuel tank? (Off the boat - on the dock or shore.)
2. How long should you run the blower before starting a gasoline inboard? (At least 4 minutes.)
3. Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous? (It is colourless and odourless and can kill quickly.)
4. What do "clean, drain, dry" prevent? (The spread of aquatic invasive species.)