Advances in fuel storage and delivery have made marina fueling safer than ever before, but there are still some guidelines that can help minimize risk.
Boating, whether for business or leisure, requires a great deal of situational awareness. Safety is of the utmost importance whenever watercrafts are involved; drowning, slip-and-fall accidents, onboard fires, and other safety concerns should be on every boat owner’s radar. Advances in fuel storage and delivery have made marina fueling safer than ever before, but there are still some guidelines that can help minimize risk. These tips can help boat owners, dock workers, and passengers stay safe around fuel.
Maintain a Safe Marina Fueling Area
Boat owners and dock workers can help prevent many accidents by maintaining a safe, orderly, and well-prepared marina fueling area. Fire extinguishers should be charged and readily available, both on docks and on each vessel. Absorbent pads should be kept nearby to address small spills, and the US Coast Guard must be notified of any fuel spills that are large enough to create a sheen on the water’s surface. Boat owners should refuel during the day whenever possible. However, electric lights can help illuminate the marina fueling area and minimize the risk of accidents and spills when nighttime fueling is necessary.
Prepare Vessels for Fueling
Boat owners and their crews should follow all safety best practices when docking. A securely-docked boat helps reduce the risk of accidental spills or ignition. All passengers must disembark. This keeps the vessel stable while also ensuring that passengers are out of harm’s way. All windows, doors, and other openings should be closed to prevent fumes from entering the boat, and those nearby should refrain from smoking, using onboard stoves, or otherwise creating a spark or open flame.
Marina Fueling Best Practices
Boat owners and crew members should inspect all fuel lines, fuel vents, and connections to ensure that all equipment is in good condition before refueling. Portable tanks should be removed from the vessel and filled on the dock to prevent spills and vapor accumulation, and those refilling their tanks should hold the nozzle securely against the tank’s opening. Before disembarking, close all gas caps tightly and allow air to circulate throughout the vessel. Do not disembark until the smell of gasoline has dissipated completely, and report any spills to the proper authorities. Never attempt to address a fuel spill in a body of water by adding chemicals.
Partner with Howard Energy, Inc. for Fuel Supply and Services
At Howard Energy, we fully understand how your business depends on a reliable and steady supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to keep your operations at its peak. As a family-owned, commercial full-service gas and diesel fuel supplier, Howard Energy has been serving companies across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern VA for over 25 years.
Our team of experts has a thorough knowledge of the petroleum industry to devise commercial and retail fueling solutions. As a result, we use our keen insight to build strong partnerships with commercial trucking, construction, manufacturing companies, and more. Howard Energy is proud to bring our products and services to gas stations, car dealerships, marinas, and beyond.
If you need cost-effective and convenient wholesale fuel and related fuel tank storage or monitoring services, contact us to get started. Call us at 410-647-1500, and visit our website. Stay connected with Howard Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.