- The fuel dispensing area should be located a sufficient distance from other structures to allow adequate room for safe ingress and egress of vessels to be fueled. Dispensing units should be at least 25 feet from any activity not associated with the handling of fuel.
- Approved dispensing units, with or without integral pumps, should always be used. Units may be located on open piers, wharves, floating docks, on shore, or on piers of the solid fill type.
- Tanks and pumps not integral with the dispensing unit should be on shore or on a pier of the solid fill type and located above the maximum water level elevation.
- In a situation where a shore location would require excessively long supply lines to dispensers, the authority having jurisdiction may grant permission for installation of tanks on a pier. If this is the case applicable Bulk Fuel Tank Storage regulations relative to spacing, diking, and piping should be adhered to, and the quantity stored should not exceed 1,100 gallons aggregate capacity.
- Shore tanks supplying marine service stations may be located above ground where rock ledges, limited space, or a high water table make underground tanks impractical. Applicable Bulk Fuel Tank Storage regulations relative to spacing, diking, and piping should be adhered to. All federal, state, and local regulations concerning aboveground storage tanks must be followed, including the spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) regulations found in 40 CFR, Part 112.
- In a situation where tanks are at an elevation that would produce gravity head on the dispensing unit, the tank outlet should be equipped with a pressure control valve positioned adjacent to and outside the tank block valve, and it should be adjusted so liquid cannot flow by gravity from the tank in case of pipe or hose failure.
- Piping between shore tanks and dispensing units should be as specified in the Bulk Fuel Tank Storage regulations, except that, where dispensing is from a floating structure, suitable lengths of oil-resistant flexible hose may be employed between the shore piping and the piping on the floating structure as made necessary by a change in water level or shoreline.
- A readily accessible and posted fuel shut off valve from shore should be provided in each pipeline at or near the approach to the pier and at the shore end of each pipeline adjacent to the point where flexible hose is attached.
- Piping should be located so it is protected from physical damage. Corrosion protection for piping is also required.
- Pipes that handle Class I liquids, such as gasoline, should be grounded to control stray currents.
STORAGE & HANDLING OF FUELS
The storage and handling of Fuels at ANY Marina or Dock Facility requires the upmost of attention when it comes to Safety. The fueling station should be located to minimize the exposure to all other plant facilities. Where tide and weather exposure conditions permit, all fuel handling should be outside the main berthing area.
- Inside fueling stations should be located near a water exit from the berthing area or at some other location from which, in case of fire aboard a boat alongside, the stricken craft may be quickly removed without endangering other boats or structures nearby.
- When practical, fueling station docks, including the fuel system piping, should be detachable by means of a quick disconnect system that allows complete removal of the dock by pushing or towing it to a safe location should it catch fire. Also, piping disconnects should prevent spillage of any fuel.
- Dispensing units for transferring fuels from storage tanks should be in accordance with provisions of the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA No. 30). Every fuel delivery nozzle should be equipped with a self-closing control valve, which will shut off the flow of fuel when the operator’s hand is removed from the nozzle. THE USE OF ANY AUTOMATIC NOZZLE WITH A LATCH- OPEN DEVICE SHOULD BE PROHIBITED. In the construction of the fuel hose assembly, provisions should be made so the fuel delivery nozzle is properly bonded to the shore electric grounding facilities.
- All boat fueling operations should be in accordance with NFPA 302, “Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft” as applicable.
- Fueling from cans should be discouraged.
- For the purpose of this article, fuel pipes shall mean fuel pipes (all pipelines, tubing, or hoses that are conductors of fuel from the deck filling plate to the engine connection. Related accessories should include any attachments to fuel pipes, such as valves, strainers, pumps, connecting fittings, etc.) should be accessible. Fuel pipe connections and accessories should be readily accessible.
- Fuel pipes should be adequately secured against excessive movement or vibration; protected from potential damage; and should have several piping disconnects with automatic shut-off valves in the event piping is broken or separated.
- Outlets for drawing gasoline below deck for any purpose should be prohibited.
- When making up threaded pipe connections, an approved sealing compound, resistant to gasoline, should be used.
- When making flared tube connections, it is essential that tubing be cut squarely and be truly flared by tools designed for those purposes.
- SIGNS: It is recommended that locations such as fueling stations, areas used for the storage and handling of fuel or other flammable liquids, boat storage sheds, paint and woodworking shops, sail lofts, battery charging rooms, boat locker rooms, and storage rooms, display the sign: “SMOKING AND OPEN FLAMES PROHIBITED” and that this rule is enforced.
- A means of notifying appropriate authorities must be available should a fire break out or other emergencies occur.
- A means of extinguishing small fires quickly must be readily available.