Small Vessels
Purpose
- To minimize the risks of explosion and pollution
Responsibility
- The Master is responsible for verifying that this procedure is followed.
Procedure
| Step | Refuelling |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check that the dispensing point is equipped with appropriate firefighting appliances. |
| 2 | Put all passengers ashore and clear any refuelling equipment. |
| 3 | Turn off pilot lights to gas refrigerators. |
| 4 | Cut off electric power at main switch. |
| 5 | Close all hatches and openings to prevent fumes from getting into the hull and the bilge. |
| 6 | Turn off all mobile phones. Do not smoke. |
| 7 | Place a discharge bucket under air/overflow pipe and close scuppers in case of overflow. |
| 8 | Have a cloth at hand to catch any spills. Use one for the filler hose and one to monitor airflow from the fuel tank vent. Have sawdust/oil spill equipment ready. |
| 9 | When refuelling, do not start the dispenser until the outlet nozzle is inserted in the tank. Hold the nozzle open by hand only – do not lock or jam the trigger of the dispenser in the open position. |
| 10 | Keep the hose touching the filler neck at all times during refuelling to prevent static sparks. |
| 11 | Carefully monitor the filling rate to avoid overfilling. Use your hand where possible to check for air escaping from the vent. When the tank is nearly full, you will feel a distinct increase in airflow which is the signal to stop filling. |
| 12 | Do not remove the filter hose until the fuel flow has stopped. |
| 13 | Lift the hose to drain all remaining fuel into the tank |
| 14 | Thoroughly clean up all surface spills with an absorbent cloth |
| 15 | If fuel has spilt into the bilges, pump the bilges manually into sealed containers or pump ashore and leave boat wide open for at least 30 minutes to vent. |
| 16 | When completely satisfied that the boat is free of fumes, start the blower and let it run for [four minutes – more if that’s the manufacturer’s recommendation]. |
| 17 | Start the engine before allowing passengers to board. |
| 18 | Dispose of absorbent cloths, sawdust or other fuel soaked items properly. |
Version 1.0
Procedure – Refueling
(PDF, 108 KB)