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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
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.
