🔍 Key Concepts

• gasoline and fuel vapors are heavier than air and collect in low spaces like bilges • The biggest danger before engine start is fire or explosion from accumulated vapors • Good practice in engine compartments on small vessels before start-up

💭 Think About

• Which action directly removes or reduces any built-up fuel vapors before you create a spark with the starter? • Which option protects the whole compartment from a possible explosion, not just one piece of equipment? • Think about what you would do FIRST, before checking individual components, when you open an engine space that’s been closed up.

✅ Before You Answer

• Ask: which choice deals with air flow and vapor removal in the compartment? • Ask: which step would the Coast Guard see as the primary safety action before turning the key? • Eliminate any options that only inspect one part (like a single device or tank) but do nothing to clear vapors from the space.