(as recommend by Transport Canada, May 2006)

Raw fuel is extremely harmful to the marine environment and its vapours create a fire hazard. Follow these procedures, step-by-step, when refuelling. It not only makes good sense, it is the law.

1. Moor your boat securely to prevent spillage.
2. Shut off all engines.
3. Send guests ashore.
4. Extinguish all open flames.
5. Do not smoke while refuelling.
6. Turn off electrical switches, power supplies and avoid using electrical devices such as portable radios.
7. Close all windows, portholes, hatches and cabin doors.
8. Remove portable tanks from the vessel before refuelling.
9. Ground the nozzle against the filler pipe.
10. Know the capacity of the fuel tank and do not overfill it — you have a duty to prevent leakage or spillage of fuel into the hull or water.
11. Wipe up spillage and properly dispose of the cloth or towel used.
12. Operate the engine compartment blower for at least four minutes immediately before starting the gasoline engine.
13. Check for vapours from the engine compartment before starting up the engine.