At the time when there were no other means of transport to travel to different parts of the world, ships and boats saved the day. If it was not for them, there would have been a long delay in the discovery of various nations and other things. While we are talking about boats, I am sure most of you have traveled in one. But, do you know which fuel is best for the boat? Which conditions for portable gas tanks be filled on a boat? In what part of the boat gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate? How to get gas fumes out of a boat? Let’s begin and find out the answers.
1. What is a Boat Fuel?
Different boats have different requirements for the fuel that matches their engine. But, more or less, they can run on a couple of fuels, but the type of fuel depends on the type of boat you are using. Like there are commercial boats and personal boats that are different in size, speed, and space. The following are the fuels that are used in boats:
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO)
- Marine Diesel Oil (MDO)
- Banker Fuel
2. What are the Reasons Behind a Boat Fire?
There are several instances where there was a sudden fire on the boat and in no time large flames started to rise. However, it may be considered accidental but knowing the reasons can help you identify and prevent such accidents.
- Improper management of the electrical devices, wires, switches and sockets, and the battery on the boat.
- Fuel leaks and fumes are the major reason leading to boat fires.
- Smoking may trigger the fumes and lead to a fire.
- Ignition of other flammable materials.
- Space heaters that are not designed for marine use can also cause boat fires.
- Inadequate maintenance of the boat and bilge.
- Unattended cooking on the boat.
3. In What Part of the Boat Gasoline Fumes are most likely to accumulate?
Among all the other causes of the boat fire, the most common cause is gasoline leakage and gasoline fumes (vapor). The fumes mostly appear when the spilled gasoline on the container was not completely evaporated on the deck. So, in what part of the boat gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate? Gasoline fumes particularly accumulate in the bilge area of the boat. The area in the vessel that is at a height of 4 inches above the lowest point of the vessel (boat) is known as the bilge area.
It is the area where water gets accumulated when the boat is in a static floating position. In short, it is the area that can possibly touch the ground if the boat is not in water. So, it is advised to keep the bilge trash free and clean to reduce the risk of fire. (See How Is Gasoline Made From Oil?)
4. How to get Gas Fumes out of a Boat?
Gasoline fumes are heavier than air, thus they tend to stay in one place longer than the air. Since these fumes are accumulated in the bilge area, you need to clean them with lots of water and detergent. Here is what you can do:
- Clean the bilge of any solid trash.
- Flood the bilge with plenty of water to remove any remaining trash and gasoline.
- Then, mix the detergent with water and again flood the bilge to remove the gasoline stains and odors.
- Rinse thoroughly in what part of the boat gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate.
- Leave all the hatches open after rinsing. It will allow the flow of fresh air that will remove the remaining fumes if any.
5. What are the Conditions for Portable Gas Tanks be filled on a boat?
Boats powered by fuel need to be refilled from time to time. It is necessary to fill them with precautions. There are portable gas tanks with every boat that are refilled to be used in times when the boat runs out of gas. But before refilling the tank, you need to be careful and follow these precautionary steps:
- Take the boat to the fuel dock station and tie it properly.
- Unload the portable tank from the boat.
- If you are carrying the portable tank by road, make sure it is sealed.
- Make sure not to light matchstick or to smoke at the refueling station.
- Turn off the engine.
- Use the refueling latch that is provided by the gasoline dispenser nozzle.
- Never jam the refueling latch on the open nozzle.
- Static build-up is common on the nozzle, therefore, touch something metallic with your bare hands before you touch the nozzle.
- In case of fire due to static build-up, better leave the nozzle with the pipe. Immediately go back to the vehicle and inform the station attendant.
6. What Type of Containers must be used?
After learning in what part of the boat gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate, understand the basics of portable containers and their refueling. While you are filling up the portable container, make sure to follow these steps and the type of containers that must be used:
- The portable container must be only approved and compatible.
- Make sure to unload the portable container to refuel them.
- Manually control the nozzle valve throughout the process and fill the container slowly it will prevent static build-up.
- Make sure the nozzle is in contact with the rim throughout the process.
- The container must not be filled more than 90% to 95% of its capacity as it will allow expansion.
- Containers must have a proper seal and if the cap is not closing tightly then change the cap or the container.
- Store gasoline in unauthorized containers like that glass.
- If gasoline gets spilled on the container, make sure it is completely evaporated before you place the container back into the boat.
- Make sure the containers are secured against tipping and spilling.
- Never leave the portable container in a location where it receives direct sunlight.
7. What are the Conditions for Refueling the Boat Container?
In case you are refueling the boat you need to take the following precautions after getting to know in what part of the boat gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate.
- Tie the boat at the fuel dock carefully and tightly.
- If there are any passengers (commercial boat) or people (personal boat) ask them to leave the boat and go to the dock before starting the refilling process.
- Make sure that no one strikes a matchstick or smokes on the fueling dock.
- Before refueling the boat tank make sure to re-check the lines, connections, and fuel vents that they are in good condition or not.
- Before beginning to refuel turn off every electronic in the boat that may cause a spark. For example, fans and engines.
- Make sure to shut off all the fuel valves and extinguish open flames like the pilot lights.
- It is necessary to prevent the fumes and odor from getting into the boat which is why you must close all the doors, windows, and other openings of the boat.
So, the answer to the question, in what part of the boat gasoline fumes are most likely to accumulate turned out to be the bilge area. Today you learned about the conditions for portable gas tanks to be filled on a boat. Do you have any other ideas for getting gas fumes out of a boat quickly? Do share with us. Check out How Long does Gas take to Evaporate?
