Fuel dock operating procedure

Fuel dock operating procedure

A starting draft, not legal advice. Have your attorney or agency review before use.

Check your local fire code, state rules and any Coast Guard requirements that apply to your fuel dock.

Rules on this topic differ by state. Check your state's law before you use this template.

Scope

This procedure covers the fuel dock at [Marina name], which sells [Fuel types sold]. Every staff member who works the fuel dock reads it and signs below before working alone. It takes effect on [Effective date].

Key locations

• Emergency fuel shutoff: [Emergency shutoff location]
• Spill kit and boom: [Spill kit location]
• Supervisor: [Supervisor name], phone [Supervisor phone]

Opening the dock

• Walk the dock and look for sheen on the water, leaks or damaged hoses.
• Check that the spill kit is full and the fire extinguisher is charged.
• Make sure no-smoking signs are in place and readable.
• Turn on the pumps and check that each nozzle shuts off cleanly.

Fueling a boat

1. Ask the operator to tie up securely and shut off engines and anything with a flame or spark.
2. Ask passengers to step onto the dock for gasoline fueling.
3. Close hatches, ports and doors so fumes cannot collect inside.
4. Confirm the right fill opening and fuel type before starting.
5. Keep the nozzle in contact with the fill pipe and hold an absorbent pad under it.
6. Fill slowly and stop before the tank is full. Do not top off.
7. Wipe up any drips and put used pads in the marked container.
8. Before an inboard gasoline engine starts, remind the operator to run the blower and check for fumes.

Portable fuel cans are always filled on the dock, never on board.

If fuel spills

1. Stop the pump at once using the nozzle or the emergency shutoff.
2. Keep people away and remove anything that could spark.
3. Contain the spill with pads and boom from the spill kit.
4. Call the supervisor right away.
5. The supervisor reports the spill to the agencies that require it and writes down what happened.

Never use soap or detergent to break up fuel on the water.

Fuel deliveries

• A trained staff member stays with the driver for the whole delivery.
• The tank level is checked before the delivery starts.
• Drains near the unloading area are covered or protected.

Closing the dock

• Turn off the pumps and lock the dispensers.
• Coil hoses so they cannot fall into the water.
• Note any problems in the fuel dock log.

A starting draft, not legal advice. Have your attorney or agency review before use.