1999 National Clean Boating Campaign
Fuelage & Bilge Care Fact Sheet

REMEMBER
  • Keep fuel and oil from getting into the water at these 3 sites: Fuel filler fitting; Fuel tank air vent; Bilge pump
  • Prevent spillage by not topping off tank.

    WHAT BOATERS CAN DO
    1. Help other boaters understand ways to prevent any oil or fuel going overboard; pass this flyer on.
    2. Keep your engine properly tuned for efficient fuel consumption, clean exhaust and economy; follow manufacturer specifications.
    3. Avoid overfilling tank; remember that fuel expands as it warms up in your tank after being pumped from a cool underground tank.
    4. When filling your fuel tank, listen to the filler pipe to hear when the tank is filling to avoid splash back; automatic shut off nozzle may not work fast enough; have an oil absorbent pad ready.
    OUTBOARD BOATS
    1. Fill tanks carefully to avoid spillage into boat and wasting fuel; wipe up any fuel drops immediately with an absorption pad.
    2. Mix oil in fuel according to manufacturer recommendations.
    3. After filling the oil tank, clean any drops off your deck by wiping with an oil absorption pad.
    4. Close portable tank fuel vent when boat is not in use to save fuel from vapor loss.
    5. Store fuel only in approved marine containers.
    BOATS WITH BUILT IN FUEL TANKS
    1. Install fuel/air separator in air vent line from tank to prevent vent spills during and after fill up.
    2. Routinely check for and fix fuel leaks; use a drop pan under your engine.
    3. Use a bilge oil absorbent pillow; dispose of it before fully saturated according to the manufacturer's suggestion; recycle.
    4. Use a bilge maintenance bioremediation pad with natural oil eating bacteria.
    5. Display a US Coast Guard oil discharge placard if your boat is 26' or more in length; its the law.
    BILGE CARE
    1. Avoid pumping any bilge water that is oily or has a sheen.
    2. Use drip pan under engine.
    3. Routinely check and fix oil or fuel leaks.
    4. Use oil absorbent or digestion pads made for boats.
    5. Avoid use of bilge cleaners which are detergents or emulsifiers; these chemicals dissolve the oil/fuel into water, so both can be pumped overboard into the aquatic or marine environment; your bilge may be clean, but the water isn't.
    IN CASE OF SPILL IN WATER
    1. Immediately stop the source.
    2. Notify the marina for assistance; call Coast Guard at 1-800-424-8802
    3. Contain with absorbent pads or booms.
    4. Understand that squirting any detergent or emulsifier on an oil slick is not good for the environment, against the law, and can bring heavy fines.
    5. Dispose of absorbents where your marina takes waste oil for recycling; or wrap in newspaper and tie inside a plastic bag for disposal with your home trash.
    INFORMATION SOURCES
    • For national calendar of programs, good references & contacts, visit the National Clean Boating Campaign Web site; http://www.cleanboating.org/
    • "Bilges, Fueling, and Spill Response," Rhode Island Sea Grant, 401-874-6842.
    • "Tips for a Clean Bilge/How to Dispose of Used Bilge Pads," Pacific Oil Spill Prevention Education Team, 541-765-2229
    • "How do you keep fuel and oil out of the water? Use absorbent pads." Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, 206-286-1309
    • Ask a National Clean Boating Campaign Partner for a special clean boating discount coupon from West Marine, a National Sponsor, or call 408-761-4135



    A nationwide program of the Marine Environmental Education Foundation
    Boating is good clean fun. Let's keep it that way.