The supply of clean fuel to the engine is essential to marine safety and to avoid mechanical breakdowns. Even fresh fuel can be sufficiently contaminated by water or other impurities so as to cause engine failure. Rust in the fuel tanks or fuel lines can be another cause of such breakdowns. A fuel system with stainless steel tank, copper fuel pipes or rubber fuel hoses and water separating filters averts the problem. The water separators/fuel filters should be installed in the fuel line between the tank and the engine.

Regularly check the filter in the same way as other check points on the engine. Store the spare filter on board and replace regularly in conjunction with maintenance service.