Fuelling, loading and the pre-departure check

Meet Rosa. She's thirty-three, at the marina fuel dock on a hot Saturday with three friends aboard her small outboard boat. The portable fuel tank sits in the back. Rosa unscrews the cap and reaches for the nozzle, right there in the boat, with everyone still aboard.

So here's the question. What's wrong with this picture, and what should Rosa check before she pulls away from the dock?

First, Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide explains that gasoline vapour is heavier than air. It flows into the low parts of the boat, it's hard to get out, and it's highly explosive. A boat is a bowl that can hold vapour.

The Small Vessel Regulations set out the law. At the dock, a portable tank comes out of the boat to be filled. With a fixed tank, the person fuelling must be the only one aboard. Before fuelling a fixed tank, engines off, electrical equipment off, doors, windows and hatches closed, and every open flame out, pilot lights included. And carry fuel only in containers made for fuel.

The Safe Boating Guide adds the habits. Tie up securely, send guests ashore, and no smoking. Keep the nozzle touching the filler pipe. Don't overfill, and wipe up any spill. Then, if your boat has an engine-compartment blower, run it at least four minutes right before starting a gasoline engine, which is also the law, and check for fumes before you turn the key.

How much fuel? Transport Canada's checklist uses thirds: a third to get there, a third to get back, and a third in reserve. The guide notes that motor problems, like running out of fuel, often lead to calls for help.

Now loading. Remember the compliance notice from lecture four. On boats up to six metres it shows the most people and the most weight, and you're full at whichever you reach first, in good weather only. Overload a boat and small waves can come aboard. Spread people and gear evenly, keep the load low, and secure anything that could shift.

On the water. On a small tiller boat, the danger is at the back. Transport Canada's rental checklist warns that slowing or turning too quickly can send a wave in over the stern and swamp or capsize the boat. So I ease off gently, guests stay seated and hold on, and anyone who has to move stays low.

Then the checks. Drain plug in. Look over the hull, fuel lines, battery, steering and throttle. Show your guests where the lifejackets and safety gear are, and how to use them. Transport Canada's guide says you're legally responsible for your guests, and that at least one other person aboard should be able to run the boat.

Let's change one fact. Rosa's boat has a fixed tank under the deck. Now her friends step onto the dock, because she must be the only one aboard, with engines, electrics and flames off and hatches closed. Afterward, if the boat has a blower, she runs it at least four minutes and checks for fumes. Same dock, stricter rules.

The mistake boaters make is fuelling a boat like a car at a gas station, with everyone aboard and the tank left where it sits. On a boat, vapour has nowhere to go but down.

Here's the rule, in one breath. Fuel with the portable tank out or the boat empty, everything switched off, blower on before you start, fuel in thirds, load low and even, and brief your guests before you go.

This week, find your blower switch and your drain plug, and work out the thirds for your usual trip. For a second pair of eyes, book Transport Canada's free Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check. Trained volunteers do it, and there are never any penalties. Next time, the rules of the road.