What should passengers be instructed to do before fueling?

Before fueling a boat, it is essential to instruct passengers to go to the dock to ensure their safety. This practice minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries that can occur due to the presence of people in or around the boat while it is being fueled. Fuel vapors are flammable and can create a hazardous environment if ignited, so having passengers safely away from the fueling area helps reduce these risks.

While it may seem reasonable for passengers to stay on the boat or assist in the fueling process, these actions could expose them to potential dangers associated with handling fuel and being near ignitable vapors. Having passengers remain quiet is not enough to address safety concerns and could lead to distractions during the fueling process. Therefore, directing passengers to a safe location, such as the dock, is the most effective way to ensure their safety while fueling the boat.