Ameer Randolph
Fuel docks are exposed to wind, waves, and passing boaters, so it's important to take the time to tie off properly with bow and stern lines, and springs. It's also important to be aware of the safety requirements, such as turning off the boat, bilge blowers, and engine hatch before fuelling. Some people use a ''farm tank' to store fuel and then use a long hose to refuel their boats, but this can be expensive.
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Staff training
Firstly, staff should be instructed to ask each operator clearly whether they require gasoline or diesel fuel. This is important as mixing up the two types of fuel can have serious consequences. To avoid confusion, staff should use the terms "GAS-O-LINE" for gasoline and "DIE-SEL-FUEL" for diesel fuel, as recommended by the NFPA. Additionally, pumps should be well-marked and colour-coded to further minimise the risk of errors.
Secondly, staff should be familiar with the NFPA 303 and 30A regulations, which outline safety procedures for fuelling. Before fuelling, staff should ensure that the boat is turned off, the bilge blowers and pumps are off, and the engine and cabin hatches are closed. These precautions are crucial to prevent fires and explosions. Staff should also confirm the type of fuel required by the vessel, as mentioned earlier.
Thirdly, staff should be trained in proper fuelling procedures, including the use of bow and stern lines, and springs. It is important to take the time to secure the boat properly, even if it takes longer, as fuel docks are often exposed to wind, waves, and passing boaters, which can cause unexpected movement. Staff should also be knowledgeable about venting the bilges, especially for gasoline-powered boats. The standard procedure involves opening all ports, doors, windows, and hatches, and running the bilge blower for at least five minutes after fuelling.
Finally, staff should be aware of alternative fuelling methods, such as the use of a "farm tank". A farm tank is a large steel tank that can hold 300-500 gallons of fuel. While most lakes do not allow permanent fuel lines down to the dock, some individuals use long hoses (up to 300 feet) to reel fuel down to the dock and fill boats. However, this method can be expensive and may not be feasible for all operations.
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Safety procedures
When tying off, it is important to take the time to do it properly, using bow and stern lines, and springs. Fuel docks are often exposed to wind and wave action, as well as passing boaters, so a secure tie-off is essential.
After fuelling, it is important to vent the bilges, especially for gasoline-powered boats. This involves opening all ports, doors, windows, and hatches, and running the bilge blower for at least five minutes.
To avoid fuel spills and leaks, some people opt for a "farm tank" - a large steel tank that sits on a stand. This allows for fuel to be delivered directly to the dock, although there may be additional costs and challenges associated with this setup.
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Fuel storage
Another important aspect of fuel storage is safety. To prevent accidents and spills, it is crucial to follow proper procedures and maintain well-marked pumps with clear and legible signage. Staff should be trained to confirm the type of fuel required ("Gas-O-Line" or "Die-Sel-Fuel") and ensure that all safety protocols are followed, including turning off the boat, bilge blowers, and engine and cabin hatches before fuelling.
Additionally, proper ventilation is essential, especially for gasoline-powered boats. After fuelling, it is recommended to open all ports, doors, windows, and hatches, and run the bilge blower for at least five minutes. By prioritising safety and adhering to regulations, fuel dock operators can minimise risks and ensure a smooth fuelling process.
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Fuel delivery
Firstly, staff training is paramount. Staff should be well-versed in fuel types and clearly ask customers whether they require gasoline or diesel fuel. This simple yet critical question can prevent costly and dangerous mistakes. Clear signage on dispensers is also essential, with NFPA requiring 3" block lettering indicating "GASOLINE" or "DIESEL FUEL". Hoses should be colour-coded, typically green for diesel and black for gasoline, but always check state regulations to ensure compliance.
Secondly, proper procedures must be followed before fuelling. This includes ensuring the boat is off, turning off bilge blowers and pumps, and closing engine and cabin hatches. These steps are vital for safety and should be strictly enforced for all customers.
Additionally, it's important to take the time to secure boats properly at the fuel dock. Tying off with bow and stern lines, as well as springs, provides stability and reduces the impact of wind, waves, and passing boaters. This extra effort can help prevent accidents and spills.
Finally, some individuals opt for a "farm tank" system, purchasing a large steel tank that sits on a stand. This allows for fuel delivery directly to the dock, avoiding the need for taxed road fuel. However, this method requires a solution for transferring fuel from the tank to the dock, such as a long retractable hose. While this option can be costly, it offers convenience and the potential for tax savings.
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Fueling etiquette
When tying up at the fuel dock, it is important to take your time and do it properly. Go the whole route: bow and stern lines, and springs. Fuel docks are often exposed to wind and wave action, as well as passing boaters, so it is important to be secure.
After fueling, it is important to vent the bilges, especially for gasoline-powered boats. Open all ports, doors, windows and hatches and run the bilge blower for at least five minutes.
If you are considering getting a "farm tank" for fueling your boat, be aware that most lakes will not allow you to run a permanent fuel line down to the dock. You will need to find a way to get the fuel from the tank to the dock, such as with a long hose.
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Frequently asked questions
You could buy a 'farm tank' – a 300-500 gallon steel tank that sits on a stand. You can have fuel delivered to it, and it won't be taxed as road fuel. However, you'll then need to get the fuel from the tank to the dock. One option is to use a 300-foot hose that can be reeled down to the dock, and then retracted.
Make sure your boat is off, the bilge blowers are off, the engine hatch is closed, the cabin hatch is closed, and the bilge pumps are off. Also, confirm whether your vessel requires 'Gas-O-Line' or 'Die-Sel-Fuel'.
These are two different types of fuel. 'Gas-O-Line' is for gasoline-powered boats, and 'Die-Sel-Fuel' is for diesel-powered boats.
It's important to take your time when tying off, even if you're in a hurry. Use bow and stern lines, and springs. Most fuel docks are exposed to wind and wave action, as well as passing boaters, so you need to make sure your boat is secure.
