10.3 Bilge pumping and drainage systems
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - HSC 2000 Code - International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 – Resolution MSC.97(73) - Chapter 10 - Auxiliary systems - PART A - GENERAL - 10.3 Bilge pumping and drainage systems

10.3 Bilge pumping and drainage systems

  10.3.1 Arrangements shall be made for draining any watertight compartment other than the compartments intended for permanent storage of liquid. Where, in relation to particular compartments, drainage is not considered necessary, drainage arrangements may be omitted, but it shall be demonstrated that the safety of the craft will not be impaired.

  10.3.2 Bilge pumping arrangements shall be provided to allow every watertight compartment other than those intended for permanent storage of liquid to be drained. The capacity or position of any such compartment shall be such that flooding thereof could not affect the safety of the craft.

  10.3.3 The bilge pumping system shall be capable of operation under all possible values of list and trim after the craft has sustained the postulated damage in 2.6.6 to 2.6.11. The bilge pumping system shall be so designed as to prevent water flowing from one compartment to another. The necessary valves for controlling the bilge suctions shall be capable of being operated from above the datum. All distribution boxes and manually operated valves in connection with the bilge pumping arrangements shall be in positions which are accessible under ordinary circumstances. The spindles of manually operated valves shall be easily accessible and all valves shall be clearly marked.

  10.3.4 The power operated self-priming bilge pumps may be used for other duties such as fire fighting or general service but not for pumping fuel or other flammable liquids.

  10.3.5 Each power bilge pump shall be capable of pumping water through the required bilge pipe at a speed of not less than 2 m/s.

  10.3.6 The diameter (d) of the bilge main shall be calculated according to the following formula, except that the actual internal diameter of the bilge main may be rounded off to the nearest size of a recognized standard:

where:
d = is the internal diameter of the bilge main (mm);
L = is the length of the craft (m) as defined in chapter 1;
B = is, for monohull craft, the breadth of the craft (m) as defined in chapter 1 and, for multi-hull craft, the breadth of a hull at or below the design waterline (m); and
D = is the moulded depth of the craft to the datum (m).

  10.3.7 Internal diameters of suction branches shall meet the requirements of the Administration but shall not be less than 25 mm. Suction branches shall be fitted with effective strainers.

  10.3.8 An emergency bilge suction shall be provided for each machinery space containing a propulsion prime mover. This suction shall be led to the largest available power pump other than a bilge pump, propulsion or oil pump. Emergency bilge suctions shall be provided for craft with common bilge pumping systems according to 10.3.6 and for craft with individual bilge pumps according to 10.3.13.

  10.3.9 The spindles of the sea inlet valves shall extend well above the machinery space floor plates.

  10.3.10 All bilge suction piping up to the connection to the pumps shall be independent of other piping.

  10.3.11 Spaces situated above the water level in the worst anticipated damage conditions may be drained directly overboard through scuppers fitted with nonreturn valves.

  10.3.12 Any unattended space for which bilge pumping arrangements are required shall be provided with a bilge alarm.

  10.3.13 For craft with individual bilge pumps, the total capacity Q of the bilge pumps for each hull shall not be less than 2.4 times the capacity of the pump defined in 10.3.5 and 10.3.6.

  10.3.14 In bilge pumping arrangements where a bilge main is not provided, then, with the exception of the spaces forward of public spaces and crew accommodation, at least one fixed submersible pump shall be provided for each space. In addition, at least one portable pump shall be provided supplied from the emergency supply, if electric, for use on individual spaces. The capacity of each submersible pump Q n shall not be less than:

where
N = number of submersible pumps
Q = total capacity as defined in 10.3.13.

  10.3.15 Nonreturn valves shall be fitted in the following components:

  • .1 bilge valve distribution manifolds;

  • .2 bilge suction hose connections where fitted directly to the pump or to the main bilge suction pipe; and

  • .3 direct bilge suction pipes and bilge pump connections to main bilge suction pipe.

Parent topic: PART A - GENERAL
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