10.1 General System Requirements
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - MGN 280 - Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats - Alternative Construction Standards - 10 Bilge Pumping - 10.1 General System Requirements

10.1 General System Requirements

  10.1.1 A vessel should have an efficient bilge pumping system, with suction pipes so arranged that any compartment (other than a tank permanently used for the carriage of liquids which is provided with efficient means of pumping or drainage) can be drained.

  10.1.2 Provided the safety of a vessel is not impaired, the Certifying Authority may permit dispensation from the means of pumping or drainage of particular compartments.

  10.1.3 A bilge pump (other than a portable pump) should be capable of being operated with all hatchways and companionways closed.

  10.1.4 When considered necessary to protect the bilge suction line from obstruction, an efficient strum box should be provided.

  10.1.5 When considered necessary, to prevent back flooding, bilge suction valves should be of non return type.

  10.1.6 Means of providing efficient bilge pumping other than those described in this text may be considered provided that full information is submitted to and approved by the Certifying Authority.

  10.1.7 Reference should be made to Section 29.2 which contains requirements for prevention of pollution of the sea.

  10.1.8 Unless otherwise stated, pump capacities should meet the following minimum requirements

  • 10 litres per minute for vessels of 6 metres in length or less
  • 15 litres per minute for vessels of between 6 and 12 metres in length
  • 30 litres per minute for vessels of 12 metres in length or greater

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