Frequently Asked Questions

I think I have a gas leak.

• Firstly turn off the gas at the cylinder and then either disconnect the flexible hose or remove the regulator - this prevents the gas from entering the pipework.
  Ventilate the vehicle thoroughly and extinguish all naked flames.
• If on a boat open all windows and hatches and manually pump the bilge-pump approximately 200 times.
  DO NOT USE THE ELECTRIC BILGE PUMP.
  Then call Apollo Gas. 07921 509917
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Do I need a gas safety inspection?

• The bottom line is that if your vessel or vehicle earns a living, such as a charter boat / rental vehicle, training vessel or B&B, then yes an annual inspection is required.
  If you are a private boat on the inland waterways, then you will need an inspection at least every 4 years.
  If you are a private boat on coastal water the requirement is imposed by your insurance company and every insurance company asked so far have stated that they would require an in-date certificate.

How long should my rubber hose & regulator last?

• Flexible gas hose has a maximum shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture.
  Braided cooker hoses have rubber hose inside so the (maximum) 5 year rule still applies.
  Regulators have a maximum shelf life of 10 years.
  ***This does not mean the gas system should only be inspected every 5 years***

What hose should be behind my cooker?

• In the UK a gimballed (swinging) cooker must have a braided cooker hose, to prevent chafe.
  Flexible hose or copper pipe can be fitted in every other case.

Do I need a gas alarm?

• If your vessel earns a living, such as a charter boat, training vessel or B&B, then yes.
  In every other case it is a decision for you as the owner, but Apollo Gas will always advise that this is an essential safety device.

Do I need a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm?

• All inland waterways boats are required to have at least one fitted and the RYA recommend fitting them to all boats.
  They should cost no more than £30.
• Any vessel or vehicle which earns a living is required to have at least one.
  (They should be certified to BS EN50291-2:2010 for use on boats).
  Useful links:
  http://www.rya.org.uk/go/co
  https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/media/296735/BSS-COAR-Handout-21Mar2019-reduced-size.pdf

Can't I "do" the gas myself?

• Unless you are qualified and competent to work on a butane or propane gas system on boats or leisure activity vehicles and registered with The Gas Safe Register to do so, then the answer is no.
  Would you work on your gas system at home? LPG is much more volatile than domestic gas. Are you prepared to risk the lives of your family and friends if you make a mistake?
  Apollo Gas Ltd is seeing more and more instances of do it yourself gas work on board, the majority of which either do not comply with regulations or are simply dangerous due to a lack of knowledge and expertise.
  It is extremely unlikely that your insurers will cover you in the event of a DIY installation.

Do I need a gas tap inside my boat or vehicle?

• Yes, there must be a way of isolating each appliance (ideally in the galley).
  This can be either a manual gas tap/isolation valve or an electronic solenoid/switch in the gas locker controlled from inside the boat/vehicle.

Where should I store my gas cylinders?

• Wherever a gas cylinder is stored, becomes subject to the rules surrounding gas lockers.
  A gas locker must be sealed to the body of the boat or vehicle so that any leaking gas cannot escape.
  It must also have a drain to take any gas overboard, which can be either through the floor of the vehicle or on a boat through the hull or into a "true" self draining cockpit.
  Most boats have purpose built lockers, some use the anchor locker and a few have the cylinders fixed on deck.
• Motorhomes and caravans have a little more choice. The cylinders can either be housed in purpose built gas lockers or large re-fillable tanks can be fitted to the chassis underneath the vehicle.

How do I get my certificate?

• All our systems are automated and certificates completed and emailed to you at the end of our inspection.
  An emailed invoice will follow with details for payment either by bank transfer or by cheque.
  We will then send an inspection reminder about 11 months later.