It deserves special attention for three reasons. First, it has to be available. Second, it has to be serviceable - that is, it must be the correct type and it should be clean. Third, it has to be 'tankable' - taken onboard with reasonable efficiency and safety.

The selected locations on Alta Mar's Fuel Cards meet these basic criteria. When the location is also a port of entry, that is indicated. The name of the facility is given along with its latitude and longitude, the VHF frequency monitored, and the type of fuel available - diesel (gasoil) or gasoline (petrol). Most also show the Mean Low Water approach and dockside depth and quite often, the maximum length of vessel that can be accommodated.

With this information, a planning or pilot chart and a pair of dividers it is possible to rough out your route in just a few minutes. If you prefer using your electronic navigation system for planning, just create a mark for each latitude and longitude given and save them. Layout the course and check to see that the distances between fuel stops are within your fuel range. It is that easy.

Each Fuel Card is laminated for protection from the elements, measures approximately 9" by 11.5" and is priced at US $10.95. You can buy them at Bluewater Books & Charts, 1811 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, order them by phone 800-942-2583 or from their web site using the links below.

Perhaps you'd like to also order a grease pencil because each fuel card has an area for "grease pencil notes" to record your vessel's fuel consumption rates at various RPMs along with the basic formulas for calculating the fuel needed for a passage and your vessel's fuel range.