Fueling at the dock?

[jollymon]

I am looking for opinions, facts or suggestions.<br /><br />I am a member at a yacht club. It is a working man yacht club, that is member owned and run. We have loose policy about fueling on the docks. The polcy says that it must be done from a UL approved container. The reason that I say it is a loose policy, is that it is not being enforced.<br /><br />Currently pepole do everthing from 5 gallon jerry cans to 55 gallon drums in the back of pickup truck and a garden hose to the boat. <br /><br />I am looking for suggestions on how the larger boats can fuel up at the dock safely, and any ideas if fueling from the 55 gallon drum is any more dangerous then using a 5 gallon can.<br /><br />PS. I am fine with the 5 gallon can on my boat, I only hold 24 gallons.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

I would look at the USCG rules and also the local<br />DEC rules to start with. I don't fool around with<br />fueling, 1 mistake and....

 

[ED21]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

Somehow I doubt if a 55 gal drum & garden hose is CG or Fire Marshall approved. Their is a possibility of a static build up if not done properly.<br />I would also think liability for the yacht club in the event of a fire would be a consideration.

 

[grizzlyadams]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

one day we were filling six 55 gal. barrels when the dot officer pulled into the store. she informed us that filling 55 gal drums and hualing them anywhere was illegal. she told us she would let us go but if she caught us doing it again we would be ticketed.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

Hey Jollymon, what type of boat do you have? Does it start with a "B" and does the names Start with a "M"?

 

[jollymon]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

nope, starts with a c and ends with a t.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

If it were me, I'd find a Marina to fuel up at, unless there is none present where you are.. There's a reason why those Jerry jugs and portable large filling tanks are red. Thats because they are approved for fueling. You are not even supposed to pull into a gas station and fill up a can of gas unless it's in an approved red container. At least thats the way it is here in Missouri. Filling your boat at the Marina is a different story...

 

[mannyq]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

Having been a Fire Inspector in CT for 5 years I can add couple of things. Each state has different codes for storage and transportation of flammable and combustible liquids in addition to CG regulations. Many of these regulations apply to commercial transportation in tankers. As far as containers go, as long as the container was not more than 60 gallons, and I wouldn't recommend it, you could carry it in a plastic bag lined wooden box. Larger containers would need to be listed or approved for use. That said, why not get a bed mounted tank to carry fuel to construction sites? Have seen these to carry 100 gallons (maybe more)and are listed for such use. These are availalble with electric or manual pumps to dispence the liquid and you can remove it when empty. Just a thought.

 

[airman]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

I have found that my favorite way, albeit a little slow, is to use clear plastic tube to siphon the fuel from 5 gal jerry cans. No need to suck - just dip deep and hold your thumb over the end. Make sure the tube always touches the filler neck to prevent static buildup and sparking. Using the normal spout always leaves me nervous about drips or spills and splashback from a full tank.

 

[erictierno]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

We are having a debate on if a outboard (plastic) can is grounded well enough on the dock or if we should be putting some sort of grounding system. We had a gas vapor fire last year and almost lost a couple of young gas dock kids. We also fill portable cans for our customers golf carts etc on the docks. We are trying to rewrite the safety policy for this so please help!!!!

 

[airman]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

Talk to a manager (ie petroleum transfer technician) at a local gas station. Personally, I believe that you're fine as long as the nozzle is held against the can and the grounding should happen through the fuel hose. You could also add a grounding wire with an alligator clip on it for extra (and cheap) safety.

 

[Trent]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

You need to check out the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)... Look here.<br /> web page<br />Or look around you might find it for free???

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

oops - I drug up an oldie via search....

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Fueling at the dock?

You can use a styrofoam cooler, but you have to be fast!!!