What is the NAS Pensacola watercraft fueling policy?

• A. Fuel anywhere on the pier; no need to disconnect electrical systems.
• B. Fuel in designated areas only; keep ignition on.
• C. Fuel in designated areas, shut off ignition, disconnect electrical systems, avoid spills, use approved containers, clean spills, and record fuel usage.
• D. Fuel only in emergencies; no documentation required.

Answer: (C)

Fueling watercraft safely hinges on controlling ignition sources and preventing spills. At NAS Pensacola, the proper procedure is to fuel only in designated areas, shut off the engine ignition, disconnect all electrical systems to prevent sparks, avoid spills, use only approved containers, clean up any spills immediately, and record fuel usage. This combination minimizes fire risk, eliminates potential electrical arcing or static ignition, protects the water and environment from contamination, and keeps fuel usage accountable.

The other options are unsafe or incomplete because fueling anywhere on the pier without disconnecting electrical systems introduces ignition risks; keeping ignition on during fueling fails to prevent sparks; and fueling only in emergencies with no documentation bypasses safety, environmental protections, and accountability measures.