Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations

9 (1) Every fishing vessel not exceeding 15.2 m in length shall be provided with one bilge power or hand pump having a capacity of not less than 1.14 L/s.

(2) Every fishing vessel exceeding 15.2 m and not exceeding 19.8 m in length shall be provided with two bilge pumps, each having a capacity of not less than 1.14 L/s, one of which shall be a power pump and the other either a power pump or a hand pump, but where two power pumps are provided, they are not to be driven by the same engine.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), every fishing vessel exceeding 19.8 m and not exceeding 24.4 m in length shall be provided with at least two bilge pumps, each having a capacity of not less than 2.28 L/s, one of which shall be a power pump and the other either a power pump or a hand pump, but where two power pumps are provided, they are not to be driven by the same engine.

(4) Two or more pumps, each with a capacity of not less than 1.14 L/s, may, if they can be used simultaneously, be provided on a fishing vessel in lieu of one only of the pumps required by subsection (3); if the pumps provided under this subsection are power pumps, they may be driven from the one engine, but not from the engine that is used to drive the mandatory power pump.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), bilge piping arrangements on a fishing vessel shall be such that each of the bilge pumps required by subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4) can draw water from each of the bilge suctions required by subsection (7) or (8).

(6) Bilge piping and pumping arrangements that provide a piping and pumping system at least as efficient as those described in subsection (5) may be provided on a fishing vessel.

(7) Bilge suctions and means for drainage on a fishing vessel that is divided into watertight compartments shall be so arranged that any water that enters any main watertight compartment can be pumped out, through at least one bilge suction situated in that compartment, and all compartments within each main division shall be arranged to drain to that bilge suction.

(8) Bilge suctions and means for drainage on a fishing vessel that is not divided into watertight compartments shall be so arranged that any water that enters the vessel is able to drain to at least one bilge suction.

(9) Bilge piping on a fishing vessel shall have an internal diameter of not less than 38 mm except in the case of bilge piping on a fishing vessel not exceeding 15.2 m in length in which fish sludge, scale or offal is not usually pumped, in which case the bilge piping shall have an internal diameter of not less than 25 mm.

(10) Hand bilge pumps on a fishing vessel shall be capable of being worked from a position above the load water line.

(11) Each bilge branch suction line on a fishing vessel, except hand pumps with only one suction, shall be fitted with a stop valve that is readily accessible at all times.

(12) Where a bilge pump on a fishing vessel is fitted with a connection to the sea, a non-return valve or swing check valve that is readily accessible shall be fitted between the sea connection and the bilge main so that sea water cannot flow into the bilges when sea connection and bilge valves are open.

(13) Bilge suctions that lead into crew spaces or engine rooms of a fishing vessel shall be fitted with strainers and the area of the openings of such strainers shall not be less than twice the cross-sectional area of the bilge pipe.

(14) Subject to subsection (15), the piping for bilge pumps on a fishing vessel shall be of steel, bronze or other material that is suitable for the purpose, and the joints for such piping shall be flanged or screwed.

(15) Where it is necessary to reduce the effect of vibration, short lengths of rubber or plastic hose may be installed and shall

• (a) be clearly visible at all times;

• (b) be of sufficient strength to withstand collapsing due to suction; and

• (c) have joints made with clamps suitable for the purpose.