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Fuel spill response quick card

A one-page card for the fuel dock: what to do first, who to call and what to record.

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.

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Fuel spill response quick card

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

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

Fuel spill at [Marina name]: do these first

  1. If anyone is hurt, there is fire, or fumes are strong, call 911 and move people away.
  2. Stop fueling. Hit the emergency shutoff at [Emergency shutoff location].
  3. No smoking, no engine starts, and no switches or tools that could spark near the spill.
  4. Stop the source if you can do it safely: close the nozzle, valve or container.
  5. Get the spill kit from [Spill kit locations]. Lay absorbent pads on fuel on the dock.
  6. On the water, put oil-only boom around the spill and around the boat that spilled.
  7. Do not use soap, detergent or dispersant on fuel in the water. It hides the spill and spreads it.
  8. Call the spill coordinator, [Spill coordinator name], at [Coordinator phone].

Who to call

  • Emergency: 911
  • Spill coordinator: [Spill coordinator name], [Coordinator phone]
  • Spill response contractor: [Spill contractor and phone]
  • National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802. Federal law requires reporting right away any oil spill that causes a sheen on the water.
  • State spill reporting line: [State spill line]
  • Local fire department (non-emergency): [Local fire department line]

When in doubt, report. The spill coordinator decides which calls are made, but anyone on duty may call the National Response Center if the coordinator cannot be reached.

Write down

  • Date and time the spill started and was found.
  • Where it happened, and the boat name or tank involved.
  • What spilled (gasoline, diesel, oil) and your best estimate of how much.
  • Whether it reached the water, and whether there is a sheen.
  • What you did to stop and contain it, and when.
  • Who you called, at what time, and any report or case number you were given.
  • Names of staff and witnesses present.

After the spill

  • Bag used pads and boom, label them, and store them for proper disposal.
  • Restock the spill kit the same day.
  • Fix the cause before fueling starts again.
  • Review what happened with staff and update this card if needed.

Post this card at the fuel dock and in the office. Card updated: [Date updated].

Spill coordinator

Signature: ______________________________

Printed name: [Spill coordinator name]

Date: ________________

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