🔍 Key Concepts

• Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low spaces • Risk of explosion or fire when starting a gasoline engine • Typical pre-start checks on gasoline-powered boats

💭 Think About

• Which condition, if ignored, could most directly lead to an explosion when the starter is engaged? • Think about where gasoline fumes might collect on a boat and what you should do about that before turning the key. • Are all the listed choices truly equal in terms of preventing an immediate life-threatening hazard when starting the engine?

✅ Before You Answer

• Consider how ventilation of enclosed spaces affects the buildup of gasoline fumes. • Decide which option directly reduces the chance of igniting fuel vapors when the engine starts. • Ask whether having a full fuel tank or fresh water actually prevents an explosion at start-up.