Handling & Trailering
What is the correct procedure before you begin fueling a gasoline boat at the dock?
Answer
Shut off the engine, have everyone step off the boat, put out all smoking materials, and close hatches and ports
Before fueling: stop the engine, get passengers off the boat and onto the dock, extinguish all smoking materials and open flames, and close hatches and ports so vapors cannot enter the boat. Keep the fuel nozzle in contact with the fill pipe to prevent static sparks.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division — "A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats" (rev. Nov. 8, 2023), “Fueling Precautions,” p. 43 — https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
Not the answer
- Leave the engine running to top off faster
- Open all hatches and light a lantern
- Fill the tank while underway
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
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