AS SEEN IN THE NOV/DEC 2005 ISSUE

Every year, near every major recreational boating center, a shattering event will make local and sometimes regional news. Its not the type of event that the Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary finds satisfying, rewarding, or invited. In some respects, the only 'good which will come from this event is the inevitable lesson-learned. And as lessons-learned go, wed rather not have this type of event from which to pull the example.

Were talking about boat fires. Every year, some mariner somewhere fails to follow proper fueling procedures, and their vessel erupts in flames, sometimes even exploding. Were talking a big BOOM! In 2001, the Coast Guard reported 153 explosions, with 73 injuries and 2 fatalities. Property damage was estimated to exceed $3 million. All because some mariner was in too much of a hurry, or in denial or failed to supervise his crew and guests, and lady luck just wasnt on his side.

In fact, during and after the explosion, every imaginable onomatopoeia can be heard. Unfortunately, it may have just cost someones life and most definitely property.

Whether youre operating a dinghy with an outboard engine and portable gas tank, or a 65 convertible sportfisherman capable of holding hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel, there are procedures that need to be followed to keep you, your guests, your vessel and those around you safe. The procedures are simple, definitely NOT time consuming, and quite frankly there are NO EXCUSES considering your life and the life of those around you hang in the balance.

Prior to fueling your vessel...

1. Secure your vessel to the fuel dock.
2. Stop all engines.
3. Turn off your battery switches.
4. Close all hatches.
5. Ask all your guests and crew to depart the vessel.
6. ABSOLUTALY NO SMOKING!
7. Have a fire extinguisher near-by.

Lets discuss these procedures in a little more detail so you have a clear understanding of why you need to comply.

Nothing could be worse than having your boat float away, while your not on it, so make sure you SECURE IT to the dock.

Just like your car, you shouldnt add fuel when the engine is running. It adds to the likelihood that youll ignite the gas fumes, as does having any electrical item running, which is why we turn off our batteries.

ABSOLUTALY NO SMOKING, obvious because cigarettes make a great ignition source.

We close all our hatches and doors so gas fumes which are heavier than air cant seep into bilges and closed cabin spaces, and for safety sake, if our friends are not on the vessel and an unfortunate even does occur, they will be much more likely to avoid serious injury.

While fueling your vessel...

1. Always keep the fuel nozzle in contact with the tank opening.
2. Dont spill any fuel.
3. Dont overfill the tanks
4. If you have a small, portable gas tank, remove it from the vessel and fill it up on the dock.

You should keep the fuel nozzle in constant contact with the tank opening since the tank opening is grounded to your vessel and to avoid creating a spark!

Spilling fuel can cause innumerable problems, from increasing the likelihood of a fire or explosion to an adverse environmental impact, not to mention incurring large fines that go along with fuel spills.

Remember, fuel expands as it heats up, so avoid topping off and over-filling your tank(s), because the gas would end up overboard from the overflow valve. This too could cause an environmental headache and possible fire/explosion scenario.

The safest place to fill a portable tank is on land. If you have one, take the safe route, disconnect it from the boat and fill it up on the dock.

After fueling your vessel...

1. Make sure the gas tank cover is closed.
2. Wipe any spilled fuel.
3. Open all hatches and ports.
4. Turn on your bilge blower and ventilate the vessel for at least FIVE minutes.
5. Use the best gas fume indicator money can buy, your NOSE to sniff bilge and cabin areas to see if fumes are present.
6. Return your passengers, crew and pets to the vessel.
7. Leave the dock quickly, after safely casting off your lines.

Ever leave a gas station and you or the attendant forgot to close the gas cover and fuel spills all over the place... Not a safe condition on land, even more dangerous on the water! Its the same problem with small spills around the fill opening. Clean them up and properly dispose of fuel saturated rags at the fuel dock.

Since gas fumes are heavier than air, we open all our hatches and ports so fresh air can ventilate throughout the cabin and bilge. This will, with the bilge blower on for at least 5 minutes, force any fumes out of the vessel. But, lets not take any chances - Smell the bilge and make sure there are no fumes present before turning on the battery and starting your engine(s). Your nose always KNOWS!!!

Lastly, if youre transporting fuel externally for an extended trip, do so in a safe boat fuel bladder designed for the task. Manufactured from nylon re-enforced urethane/thermal plastic, boat fuel bladders are collapsible storage bags designed specifically for gasoline and diesel and are available in various sizes.

The Coast Guard wants your boating season to be fun and safe. By following the above steps, we can eliminate one source of concern, and lower the chances that your fun will be interrupted by an unnecessary tragedy.

To learn more about boating safety, contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla. You can find us on the web (www.cgaux.org) or contact your local Coast Guard Unit (www.uscg.mil).

Recreational boating is FUN! Lets keep it that way by boating SAFELY!

Bio:
Chief Spivak joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary after spending 7 years in the U.S. Power Squadrons (USPS). A catalyst for his joining were the tragic events of 9/11. Spivak is an instructor and webmaster at various levels in the Auxiliary as well as Vessel Safety Examiner and Marine Dealer Visitor. He has served as Flotilla and Division Staff Officer, Division Computer Services Staff Officer and Ass't District Staff Officer for Computer Services. On a National level Chief Spivak is a member of the National Press Corps, Division Chief of External Communications, as well as a staff member for the National Training Center. In addition, other duties include being a Staff member for the Web Support Group, Office of the Chief Director of the Auxiliary, G-OCX, United States Coast Guard. In 2001, Auxiliarist Spivak placed second in the United States Coast Guard JOC Alex Haley Award of Excellence in Journalism contest, for his contributions to the Public Affairs of the Coast Guard. WSpivak@auxguideanceskills.info.

---

Save and Share this Article: