The best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a personal watercraft (PWC) is to perform a careful sniff test in the engine compartment before starting the engine. Open the engine compartment door and smell for any trace of fuel odor or gas fumes. If you detect any smell of gasoline, do not start the engine; instead, identify the source of the leak and make necessary repairs immediately

. Additional safety tips include:

• Ensure the engine is off and all electrical equipment is turned off during fueling to prevent sparks that could ignite fumes

• Do not overfill the fuel tank; leave room for fuel expansion to avoid spills and leaks

• After fueling, wipe up any spilled fuel and tightly replace the gas cap to prevent vapor escape

• Ventilate the engine compartment by opening hatches or doors and, if applicable, run the blower for several minutes to clear any residual fumes before starting the engine

• Regularly inspect electrical connections and fuel lines to reduce the risk of sparks or leaks

This sniff test is widely recommended as the simplest and most effective method to detect gas fumes on PWCs, as gasoline vapors are heavier than air and tend to accumulate in enclosed spaces like the engine compartment