The Qualified Captain partners with WWAY to share boat explosion prevention tips

WILMINGTON, N.C. — As boating season ramps up, Wilmington-based influencer The Qualified Captain is reminding boaters to take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk of a fuel-related explosion.

Chris Juall, known online as “The Qualified Captain,” recently highlighted a fatal boat explosion while discussing the dangers of gasoline vapors that can accumulate inside some vessels after refueling.

According to Juall, the risk is most common on gasoline-powered boats, where vapors can become trapped in enclosed spaces below deck.

“What happens is when people fill up their fuel tanks, gas vapors build up inside the below-deck area of the boat, and they’re captured there,” Juall said. “And as soon as they crank the engine and the ignition sparks, it creates an explosion.”

Juall recommends three steps before starting a boat’s engine after fueling.

The first is running the boat’s blower for at least four minutes to help clear fumes from the engine compartment.

The second is using the “smell test.”

“If you smell gas fumes, don’t start the boat,” Juall said.

Finally, he recommends opening hatches and other below-deck compartments to help any trapped vapors dissipate more quickly.

Juall noted that diesel-powered boats generally do not face the same risk because diesel fuel behaves differently than gasoline.

The reminder comes as marinas and waterways across the Cape Fear region see increased traffic heading into the busy summer boating season.

While boat explosions are relatively uncommon, Juall said taking a few extra minutes after refueling can help prevent a potentially serious or deadly accident.

You can click here to register for The Qualified Captain State Boating Course.

Check back in the near future for more content in partnership with The Qualified Captain.