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FUEL SAFETY
At Las Vegas Boat Harbor

For those of you that are first-time slip renters or boaters that visit our marina or any other marina for that matter, we hope you find this information helpful to have a great boating experience - wherever you are boating!

If you rent boats, this information only helps you & your friends have a safe & enjoyable experience.

Fueling Your Boat

Avoid Congestion

Rental Boats are due back at 5:30pm in the summer, this adds to the congestion of a heavily trafficked area. If possible do not fuel around this time. Save yourself the stress!

Best Time to Visit the Fuel Dock is between 7am - 9am.

Portable gas cans and jugs must be DOT approved to be filled at the gas dock.

  • No storing full or empty gas containers on dock or your boat.
  • You can only transfer fuel out on the lake - not in marina area.

If you think you can save a couple of bucks by carrying jugs, think first.

  • NO TRANSFERRING fuel in the marina area.
  • Tanks expand in heat and create hazardous conditions.
  • Full tanks in your vehicle and boat with 100 degree heat is unsafe.

Fueling procedures should always be followed. More below...

Only have essential people on the vessel. Since gasoline and gasoline fumes contribute to so many boat fires and explosions, it is important to carefully fuel a vessel. The more people on the boat, the less stable the boat.

Know where your fuel fill is located.
One of the most common fueling mishaps is putting the nozzle into the wrong deck fill. Water tanks and rod holders are surprisingly often mistaken for the fuel fill. For a boater who is multitasking at the fuel dock, dozens of gallons of fuel can end up in the water or in the bilge in just a matter of minutes, creating a dangerous situation.

Know the size of your tank
This is important if you know you have a 15 gallon tank and if you put in 20 gallons, there is definitely a problem.

Know the type of fuel required for your vessel
The green handle at the fuel dock is diesel.

Know approximately how much gas you are needing.
Boat fuel tanks are often irregularly shaped, making fuel gauges less accurate. When your fuel gauge reads one-quarter, how many gallons do you typically need? Spills can easily occur when the tank is fuller than you thought and the nozzle doesn't stop in time.

Check your fuel lines and connections before leaving your slip or house.
No one wants to fill their bilge with fuel because the fuel line is not connected to the fill pipe or there is a crack in the hoses. Many older boats do not have rubber products that are compatible with current fuel chemical additives. Frequently check fuel lines and connections for leaks and worn spots.

Extinguish all smoking materials, this includes vaping.
This seems like a no-brainer, but here it goes, gasoline and fuel fumes are explosive!

Know where your fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
Check the gauge and make sure it is in working order. Some fire extinguishers have expiration dates and should be replaced immediately.

Better safe than sorry!

Arriving at the Fuel Dock
BEFORE FUELING

  • Tie the boat securely at the fuel dock.
    A stable boat means fewer spills.

  • Stop all engines and auxiliaries.
    This means all engines whether you have one or five. This also means your generator.

  • Shut off all electricity, open flames, and heat or cooling sources.
    Yes, this means no air conditioning, fans or music!

  • Check all bilges for fuel fumes.
    Open your hatch look in, use your eyes and nose. If you see or smell fuel, find out why. Do not start your boat!

  • Close access fittings and openings that could allow fuel vapors to enter enclosed spaces on the vessel.
    This means to close the cabin doors, windows and hatches. Do not let in any fumes!

DURING FUELING

  • Maintain nozzle contact with fill pipe.
    When gasoline passes through the hose, it generates static electricity. If that ‘sparks’ with the fumes at the fuel tank fill point, an explosion can occur. To dissipate the static electricity, keep the metal nozzle of the hose in contact with the metal part of the refueling opening.

  • Wipe up spills immediately. Have an absorbent cloth in your hand and ready.
    Again, a no-brainer - Save the environment, save yourself.

  • Avoid overfilling, never fill to the brim.
    Fuel expands in the heat, so you need to leave space. Boats tend to blowback or spit fuel back out.

  • The fuel filling nozzle must always be attended to.
    No putting cans, bottles or blocks in the nozzle handle! Never walk away or turn your head from fueling your vessel.

AFTER FUELING

  • Securely replace the gas cap.
    This helps prevent fumes from spreading.

  • Inspect bilges for leakage & fuel odors.
    Use your eyes and nose. If you see or smell fuel, find out why. Do not start your boat or anything else.

  • Open doors, hatches, and windows to ventilate your cabin or enclosed spaces.
    You want to open all the doors, windows and hatches to allow for air to circulate through the boat

  • Don’t forget to pay - No explanation needed here.

  • Put your life jacket on and have fun on your boating excursion!

Automatic Clips & Shut Offs

Why is it different than my vehicle?

Marine Fuel docks do not have the convenient hands-free clip on the nozzle allowing you to pump mindlessly, and for good reason: They often don't click off in time. The venturi mechanism in a roadside gas pump works in closed fuel systems, like your vehicle. When fuel enters the tank, air is forced out at the opening as it's displaced by the fuel.

In vessels, you have a vented fuel system. The vent allows air to escape so the automatic shutoff doesn't work as you'd expect. Take your time and pay attention. Always keep a fuel-absorbent cloth with you to hold around the deck fill and vent in case any fuel burps out.

We are thankful for all our customers, but it takes a village to keep everyone safe. Please do your part by following the above fueling advice, wear your life jacket and follow all safe boating procedures. Let's make this a season to remember - more people are boating than ever - keep your lake clean and safe.

Lake Mead Emergency Contacts

National Park Service Emergency Dispatch      702-293-8932

VHF Radio Channel      16

911 Works but may take longer to get to proper dispatcher

Emergency Information Address:

Las Vegas Boat Harbor
490 Horsepower Cove Rd.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Lake Mead Marina
490c Horsepower Cove Rd.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Emergency Information Address:

Las Vegas Boat Harbor
490 Horsepower Cove Rd.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Lake Mead Marina
490c Horsepower Cove Rd.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

Important Contact Numbers

Save in your phone - you never know when you’ll need them

National Park Servicenon-emergency dispatch702-293-8998

Las Vegas Boat Harbor7:30AM to 5:00 PM702-293-1191

Lake Mead Marina7:30AM to 5:00 PM702-293-3484

Sea-TowMay-September928-788-1815