Fuel for thought

While refuelling a boat seems a routine chore, the number of accidents and incidents of recent times indicate the hidden dangers. Indeed, fuelling can be dangerous, as we’re dealing with volatile substances and things can, and all too often do, go catastrophically wrong.

Doug King, the Powerboat Training Coordinator for Boating Victoria, believes that boaters become blasé about the refuelling process, but it’s serious business at bowser and skippers should never get complacent.

“Unlike a motor car, on a boat, all of the fuel tanks are internal, so any fuel leaks will stay in the boat and, along with dangerous fumes, collect in the engineroom or the bilge,” King explains. “With plenty of ignition sources on board, the potential for a serious situation to occur is ever present.”

Start by having a basic understanding of how your fuel system works. You need to know where the fuel tanks are situated and how the fuel gets to them, and where the fuel lines run, so you can inspect the system for signs of damage or deterioration before problems occur.

If you’re not sure what to check, just ask your mechanic or boat dealer to run you through the fuel system. Otherwise, a quick inspection after fuelling provides assurance that everything is okay - no leaks, fumes, or anything else that may pose a danger.

IGNORANCE COSTS
I know a boater who took delivery of a secondhand boat and had some work done to the (petrol) engines. He subsequently proceeded to fill the fuel tank to the brim, topping up each time the fuel receded back down the inlet. Unbeknown to him, someone had removed the overflow hose that ran to the breather vent and the excess flowed straight into his bilge.

It was not until he returned to the marina - that’s right, he actually started the engine and drove what was essentially a floating bomb on a 3nm cruise  - with three people onboard that he discovered the potential disaster. Fortunately, a tragedy was avoided, but not before the whole area was evacuated, the bilge watered down with a mixture of water and detergent and then carefully pumped out.

This story had a happy ending but it could just as easily finished up as a “three-people-die-in-boating explosion” headline in the next day’s newspaper. And simply because this skipper did not know what to look for and did not check what seems obvious. Run through the following…

-- Check for the location of fire extinguishers on the dock - they’re usually designed for use on fuel-fed fires - the emergency fuel shut-off switch, and the emergency spill kit, which will be in the immediate vicinity.

-- Take time to familiarise yourself with the spill kit - a quick clean will minimise the danger, and any harm to the environment.

-- All State Governments have legislation in regard to fuelling and most have a requirement for all passengers to be ashore during the process. Only personnel involved should remain onboard.

-- Identify any fire risks on or near the boat, such as:

Such things must be extinguished.

-- Also, turn off the batteries and any other power source, ensuring all doors and hatches are closed to prevent fumes from spreading inside. You’re now ready to start fuelling.

During fuelling, maintain contact between the nozzle and the filler and monitor progress. Don’t wedge the bowser’s filler-handle trigger open and stand back or walk away in case of spillage.

Some fuel depots have a policy to use only their staff for fuelling. Others demand that only the owner do it. But be aware that as the skipper you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your boat and need to monitor the process.

If fuelling portable tanks for a dinghy or tender, take them off the boat and fill ashore.

King related the story of the chap who was filling a tote tank on the back of houseboat. Leaking fumes travelled along the side of the houseboat reaching a gas hot-water service. The pilot light ignited the fumes and the rest, as they say, is history!

Granted, it’s not common to have a gas-powered hot-water service on a boat, but if you have other gas appliances onboard, like fridges and cookers, pilot lights may be an issue.

Following fuelling, clean up any drips or spills. Check that the amount of fuel delivered agrees with the amount you expected to take on (if there’s a discrepancy you may have a fuel leak), and check for any leaks in the bilge and engineroom.

Now open all doors and hatches and ventilate for at least three minutes - if you have bilge blowers (which should be certified spark-proof) turn them on.

Once ventilation is complete and all is in order, it’s okay to turn your engines on and get underway.

2. For teak decks, just wet them down with water before fuelling - minor spills will be easier to mop up without staining the timber.

While all this may seem simple, straightforward and perhaps bleeding obvious, too many boats explode and catch fire. So make sure you don’t finish up a statistic - after all, it’s not rocket science.

Inspect lines, connections and the fuel tank for leaks or perishing. Make sure the lines are supple with no cracks, that the connections are secure, and the priming bulb is operative and in good condition.

When using the fuel tank ensure the breather valve, usually located on the filler cap, is open. To prevent the spread of fumes and the ingress of water, close the breather valve when the tank is not in use. Or leave it ever-so-slightly ajar to prevent spillage due to expansion.