Stella Maris
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 1,500
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Helmsman PH38, 11' Boston Whaler, 9' Boston Whaler
- Vessel Name
- Destiny
As boaters, we are the "Keepers of the Sound" (or what ever body of water you boat on). As the "Keepers" it is our responsibility to insure that we do everything we can to prevent fuel spills. This evening while sitting in the cockpit of Karma, I suddenly got a very strong whiff of diesel fuel. I immediately looked into the water and could see a very large sheen. As the current was flowing at about four knots, I knew it was not coming from Karma. I checked the two vessels behind Karma and determined that it was not coming from either of those. I then walked up to the fuel dock about a 1/4 mile away to see if there was an issue there. No, it was not a leak at the fuel dock. However, the sheen was even larger. At that time I made the decision that it was time to call the fire department. Unbelievably they seemed very unconcerned...... While diesel fuel is not explosive in nature, it will burn...... and there was a lot of it in the water!
I proceed down to the Skagit County Marina (about a half mile away from Karma) where I found a 40 foot Bayliner from Bellingham with a sheen coming from its stern. When I approached the owner and asked him if he was aware of the fact that he was dumping a very large amount of raw fuel into the water, he nonchalantly said "Yes, I over filled the tanks and I am letting them drain off". Then he went back to his cocktail!!!!!
Now, we have all at one time or another spilled fuel into the water. However, it is in how we react to the situation that counts. The one time our vent "burped" and spilled about a half a cup taught me to always hold a "burp" cloth below it until the flow of fuel from the pump has stabilized the pressure in the tank. I do not want to be that guy at the fuel dock that people are pointing at and saying "he spilt fuel"!
This "gentleman's" cavalier approach to the problem created him more headaches than it was worth. By the time it was all done and said, the environmental group had come out and given him a written warning. The CG stopped by for a visit.... The fire department did stop by for a chat..... While it was not my intent to create problems for others, we must all realize that whether we reside in this great state or are visitors (such as Maureen and I) we must all take steps to protect the beauty that surrounds us. If you spill fuel, do what ever it takes to contain it and clean it up. If you over fill your tanks, great, get out on the open water and run at full throttle for 30 minutes..... that will take care of at least 7 gallons of fuel!
Remember, we may not drink from the sound, but we do live on it! Boat responsibly, never fill your tanks past the 95% point. This will insure that you do not over fill! The fish, birds, whales, and sea lions will all appreciate it!
I proceed down to the Skagit County Marina (about a half mile away from Karma) where I found a 40 foot Bayliner from Bellingham with a sheen coming from its stern. When I approached the owner and asked him if he was aware of the fact that he was dumping a very large amount of raw fuel into the water, he nonchalantly said "Yes, I over filled the tanks and I am letting them drain off". Then he went back to his cocktail!!!!!
Now, we have all at one time or another spilled fuel into the water. However, it is in how we react to the situation that counts. The one time our vent "burped" and spilled about a half a cup taught me to always hold a "burp" cloth below it until the flow of fuel from the pump has stabilized the pressure in the tank. I do not want to be that guy at the fuel dock that people are pointing at and saying "he spilt fuel"!
This "gentleman's" cavalier approach to the problem created him more headaches than it was worth. By the time it was all done and said, the environmental group had come out and given him a written warning. The CG stopped by for a visit.... The fire department did stop by for a chat..... While it was not my intent to create problems for others, we must all realize that whether we reside in this great state or are visitors (such as Maureen and I) we must all take steps to protect the beauty that surrounds us. If you spill fuel, do what ever it takes to contain it and clean it up. If you over fill your tanks, great, get out on the open water and run at full throttle for 30 minutes..... that will take care of at least 7 gallons of fuel!
Remember, we may not drink from the sound, but we do live on it! Boat responsibly, never fill your tanks past the 95% point. This will insure that you do not over fill! The fish, birds, whales, and sea lions will all appreciate it!