Bilge Pumping

10

Bilge Pumping

This section outlines the minimum requirements for bilge pumping, which are to be in accordance with the requirements of a Recognized Organization. The Class Notation or equivalent should cover the minimum aspects defined within this chapter. The principle objective of this section is that in the event of one compartment being flooded, which may or may not be the engine room, there is an ability to control any leakage to adjacent compartments.

10.1

General Requirements

The bilge pumping equipment and its installation should, in general, meet with the requirements of a Recognized Organization. The yacht should hold a Certificate of Class or equivalent or should be surveyed by one of the Recognized Organizations so that an appropriate certificate can be issued. In the event that the above requirements cannot be met on an existing yacht, the Administration may be requested to consider alternative arrangements to achieve adequate safety standards.

10.2

All yachts should be provided with at least two fixed and independently powered pumps, with suction pipes so arranged that any compartment can be effectively drained when the yacht is heeled to an angle of 10°. For Short Range Yachts, the second pump and suction pipes may be portable.

10.3

The location of pumps, their individual power supplies and controls, including those for bilge valves, should be such that in the event of anyone compartment being flooded another pump is available to control any leakage to adjacent compartments.

10.4

Each bilge pump suction line should be fitted with an efficient strum box.

10.5

In the case of a yacht where the propulsion machinery space may be unmanned at any time, a bilge level alarm should be fitted. The alarm should provide an audible and visual warning in the Master's cabin and in the wheelhouse. The audible and visual alarm may be accepted elsewhere if it is considered that such a location may be more appropriate.

10.6

Pumping and piping arrangements for bilges into which fuel or other oils of similar or higher fire risk could collect, under either normal or fault conditions, should be kept clear of accommodation spaces and separate from accommodation bilge systems. Bilge level alarms meeting the requirements of 10.5 should be fitted to all such bilges.