CSA B306-M1977 (2018): Portable Fuel Tanks for Marine Engines – Technical Requirements and Compliance

CSA B306-M1977 (2018), reaffirmed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) in 2018, establishes minimum safety and performance requirements for portable fuel tanks intended for use with marine engines. These tanks are commonly employed with outboard motors, trolling engines, and other small marine propulsion systems where a fixed fuel tank is not practical. The standard addresses materials, construction, marking, and testing protocols to ensure leak‑free operation, fuel containment, and fire safety during normal handling, transportation, and usage.

1. Scope

CSA B306-M1977 (2018) applies to portable fuel tanks with a nominal water capacity not exceeding 30 L (approximately 8 US gallons). Tanks within this scope are designed to be manually carried and connected to an outboard engine via a flexible fuel hose and primer bulb assembly. The standard covers tanks constructed from metallic materials (e.g., steel with corrosion‑resistant coating) and non‑metallic materials (e.g., high‑density polyethylene or other fuel‑resistant plastics).

Excluded from the scope are built‑in fuel tanks, permanent fuel systems of larger craft, tanks intended for inboard engines, and tanks with a capacity exceeding 30 L. The standard also does not apply to fuel hoses, connections, or engine‑mounted components, though it does specify the interface requirements for fuel withdrawal systems.

2. Technical Requirements

2.1 Materials

Materials for portable fuel tanks must be compatible with the intended fuel (gasoline or diesel, though primarily gasoline