How should you safely refuel a vessel on deck?

• A. Refuel with engines running, ignore ignition sources, and keep ignition sources nearby.
• B. Refuel without bonding ground or shutting down engines.
• C. Shut down engines, avoid ignition sources, bond ground, monitor for spills, have extinguishers ready.
• D. Refuel only at night.

Answer: (C)

Fueling on deck is a high-risk operation because flammable vapors can ignite from sparks, heat, or static electricity. The safest approach is to shut down engines and eliminate ignition sources, bond the fueling system to prevent static discharge, monitor for spills to avoid fires and pollution, and have extinguishers ready in case a fire starts. Shutting down engines removes potential ignition sources from the vessel’s machinery and exhaust, while bonding grounds the fueling equipment to equalize electrical potential and prevent static sparks during transfer. Keeping a close watch for spills lets you contain any fuel quickly, reducing fire risk and environmental harm. Extinguishers on hand ensure you can respond immediately if a fire does occur. The other options either leave ignition sources present, omit grounding, or tie safety to time of day rather than addressing the real hazards of fueling on deck.