Refuelling

In almost all circumstances, vessel fires have occurred during refuelling or when a boat is re-started after fuelling. These incidents can result in serious injury.

Tips for refuelling safely

  1. No passengers are permitted on board during refuelling or restarting
  2. Turn off the engine and electrical equipment before refuelling
  3. Don't overfill your fuel tank and clean up spills immediately
  4. Ventilate the tank and engine compartments after refuelling
  5. Don't start the engine if you can detect fumes.
  6. If possible, fill the fuel tanks away from the vessel in a well-ventilated, no smoking area.
  7. When refuelling, use a wide-mouthed funnel and clean up any splashes immediately
  8. Regularly check perishable fuel lines for wear and tear and carry spares
  9. Don't keep oily or fuel-soaked rags onboard
  10. Keep spare fuel in a tightly capped, secure container.

Download the vessel refuelling safety checklist as a PDF or Word document:

Refuelling safely - video transcript

More information

More information about boat fire safety is available on this website: