Where should your passengers be while the boat is tied to the dock for fueling?

When fueling a boat that is tied to the dock, it is essential for passenger safety that they remain away from the boat and on the dock. This is because fueling a boat can present significant hazards, including the risk of fire or explosion if fuel vapors are ignited.

Keeping passengers on the dock minimizes their exposure to potential fumes and ensures that they are in a safer location should a mishap occur during the fueling process. Furthermore, remaining on the dock allows for a clear space around the boat, reducing the chances of accidentally spilling fuel onto passengers or their belongings.

While having passengers on the boat with life jackets, in the cabin, or in their vehicles may seem safe in different contexts, these options do not enhance safety during the specific operation of fueling. Life jackets are always important, but they do not prevent the risks associated with fuel vapors. Similarly, being in the cabin could expose passengers to flammable vapors, and being in their vehicles does not provide direct safety regarding the fueling process itself. For these reasons, having passengers on the dock is the best practice when fueling a boat.