Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

10        BILGE PUMPING / DRAINING

10.1 All vessels should be fitted with a powered or hand-operated bilge pumping system adequate for the size of the vessel, so that any compartment can be drained.  Auto start bilge pumps are recommended, provided they are inspected regularly.  To prevent water pollution from oily bilges, a holding tank or similar is recommended.

10.2 In CATEGORY A and B WATERS, small open vessels may carry one or more buckets or bailers instead of a bilge pump.

10.3 To prevent pollution, compartments containing potential pollutants should not be fitted with auto-start bilge pumps.  No fixed bilge pump should draw from an oil tight area beneath any engine or gearbox.  

10.4     Bilge Alarms

10.4.1 Consideration should be given to the fitting of bilge alarms in compartments likely to accumulate bilge water (excluding void spaces), and where the rising water would not be obvious to the skipper, or where propulsion machinery is fitted in an unmanned, enclosed, watertight compartment.

10.4.2 If fitted, the alarm should provide an audible warning, and preferably a visual warning also, at the control position.