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Bailer or bilge pump

What you need to know about bailer or bilge pumps. All vessels must carry some form of bilge pump or bailing equipment.

  Bilge pumps

Bilge pumps:

  • Are required for boats 7 metres and over.
  • May be manual or power operation.
  • Must be capable of pumping 4 kilolitres per hour.

Important safety information:

  • If you fit an electric bilge pump with an automatic switch it must have an indicator to show when the pump is working.
  • Check its operation regularly and keep it well maintained.
  • The bilge pump should be protected by a strainer to prevent choking of the pump suction. Clean bilges reduce the possibility of blocked pumps.

  Bailers

Bailer in use
Bailer in use

Bailers are used for vessels under 7 metres in length.

Depending on the size of the vessel, a strong bucket with 2 metres of rope attached makes an excellent addition to your gear list.

As a safety item, it is useful both for bailing water out and fighting fires.

Image of sunken boat

 

Page last updated: Wed Jan 31 2018 1:33:22 PM