Section 2 Bilge and Drainage Systems

201. General

1. An efficient bilge pumping system is to be provided, capable of pumping from and draining any watertight compartment other than a space permanently appropriate for the carriage of liquid and for which other efficient means of pumping are provided, under all practical conditions.

2. Where fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing systems or other systems which will supply large quantities of water are fitted, an arrangement is to be fitted in the compartment to ensure that such water is discharged directly overboard.

202. Bilge pumping system

1. At least one bilge suction which is effectively located is to be provided for every watertight compartment.

2. Arrangement is to be made whereby bilge in a watertight compartment may find its way to the bilge suctions.

3. Where, in relation to particular compartments, bilge discharge is considered difficult, the bilge

pumping system may be omitted, but it be impaired.

4. At least two bilge suctions are to be

is to be demonstrated that the safety of the yachts will not

provided in every machinery space, and all bilge suction

pipes are to be provided with mud boxes which can be inspected and cleaned at easily accessible positions above the floor level of the machinery space.

5. In every watertight compartment where only portable bilge pumps are used to discharge bilge, means which are easily accessible to connect and operate bilge pumps are to be provided.

6. Internal diameters of suction branches are to be in accordance with Pt 5, Ch 6, 404. of the Rules for Classification of Steel Ships. However, the diameters are not to be less than 25 mm , and suc-

tion branches are to be fitted with effective strainers.

7. Every valve or cock is to be fitted with open/close indicator so that can be seen at its operating place.

203. Prevention of flooding through bilge pipe

1. Bilge and ballast systems are to be provided with screw-down check valves so that water can not flow from overboard or ballast system to machinery spaces, cargo holds or other similar watertight compartments, or from one watertight compartment to others.

2. Screw-down check valves are to be provided between each branch bilge suction and distribution chest.

204. Bilge pumps

1. All yachts are to be provided with at least two bilge pumps, of which one is to be used only for bilge discharge. All available pumps, which have relevant capacity and are not intended for oil transfer on board, may be considered as the second bilge pumps.

2. Fixed or movable bilge pumps can be used, but pumps not less than 1.5 m hr, are to be pow- er-driven.

3. The capacity of each bilge pump is to be not less than required by the following formula

: length of craft on design waterline (m ).

4. Where main bilge pipe is not provided in the bilge pumping system, with the exception of the space in front of the public space and crew space, at least one fixed submersible pump shall be fitted for each space. In addition for bilge pumping of each space at least one portable pump shall be provided, supplied from emergency supply if electric for use. The capacity of each sub-

mersible pump is to be not less than required by the following formula or 8.0 m h whichever

m

where,

= number of submersible pumps

= capacity as defined 204. 3.

5. Manual pumps, if fitted, are to be located on the bulkhead deck or upward.