Diesel and oily waste do not belong in the water. Requirements arise under Commonwealth, state and territory pollution laws, and penalties and reporting processes vary with location and incident.
Refuelling routine
- Know the tank’s safe capacity and current level.
- Identify the correct deck fill before opening it.
- Plug scuppers where appropriate and place absorbent material around the fill and vent.
- Put the nozzle into the fill before starting flow.
- Maintain direct attendance and slow the rate as the tank fills.
- Watch the vent for foam, blow-back or overflow.
- Do not top the tank into the expansion space.
- Stop flow fully before removing the nozzle.
- Clean any spill using approved containment, not detergent.
Maritime Safety Queensland specifically advises operators to check tank capacity, watch breathers, avoid overfilling and supervise bilge discharge so only water is pumped overboard.
During maintenance
Use a closed waste container, absorbent pads and a filter drain tray. Never let an automatic bilge pump discharge oil, diesel or coolant. Separate used oil, contaminated fuel, coolant, filters and oily absorbents and deliver them to a facility that accepts each waste stream.
If a spill occurs, stop the source, protect people, contain it if safe and report it through the authority responsible for the waterway. Do not use dishwashing liquid to make the sheen disappear. It disperses oil rather than removing it.
Australian automotive diesel is regulated under Commonwealth fuel-quality legislation, but engine compatibility with biodiesel content, renewable diesel or additives remains model-specific. Follow the engine maker’s current fuel specification.