The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

Requirements for vessels of 12 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length

37.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below every vessel of 12 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length to which these Rules apply shall be provided with:—

(a) efficient means of draining any compartment, other than a compartment appropriated for the storage of oil or fresh water, when the vessel is upright or is listed not more than five degrees either way. A centre line suction shall be provided in the engine room and in the fish hold to the lowest drainage level of the compartment.

Provided that:—

(i) if the vessel is divided into watertight compartments the bilge suctions and means of drainage shall be so arranged that any water entering any main watertight compartment can be pumped out through at least one bilge suction situated in such a compartment;

(ii) if the vessel is not divided into watertight compartments the means of drainage shall be so arranged that any water entering the vessel can drain to at least one bilge suction;

(b) not less than two bilge pumps—

(i) having a total capacity of not less than 455 litres per minute if the vessel is 20 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length. At least one such pump shall be a power pump having a capacity of not less than 230 litres per minute. Where two power pumps are provided each pump shall be independently driven;

(ii) having a total capacity of not less than 275 litres per minute if the vessel is 15 metres in length and over but less than 20 metres in length. At least one such pump shall be a power pump having a capacity of not less than 140 litres per minute. Where two power pumps are provided each pump shall be independently driven;

(iii) one of which shall be a hand pump if the vessel is less than 15 metres in length. Each pump shall have a capacity of not less than 90 litres per minute.

(2) In any such vessel a properly installed bilge ejector in combination with a power driven pump may be provided as a substitute for one power driven bilge pump.

(3) In any such vessel a general service pump of sufficient capacity may be used as an independent bilge pump. Where more than one pump is installed one of the bilge pumps may be driven from the main engine.

(4) In every such vessel—

(a) bilge pumps shall be self-priming. Pumps other than hand pumps of the lever type shall, whether operated by hand or power, be capable of drawing water from any space required by sub-paragraph (1)(a) above;

(b) bilge pumps may be arranged for automatic starting provided that the bilge pumping system is fit for its intended purpose;

(c) where hand operated bilge pumps are fitted they shall be either rotary, semi-rotary or lever operated and shall be operable from the freeboard deck and shall be so arranged that the bucket and tail valve can be withdrawn for examination and overhaul at all times.

(5) In every such vessel distribution boxes, valves and cocks fitted in bilge pumping systems shall be in accessible positions.

(6) In every such vessel—

(a) pipes from the pumps for draining hold spaces or any part of the machinery space shall be independent of pipes which may be used for filling or emptying spaces in which water or oil is carried;

(b) bilge pipes shall be of steel or other suitable material having flanged or screwed joints, provided that flexible piping, if accessible for inspection and jointed with suitable clamps, may be installed where necessary.

(7) In every such vessel—

(a) if the vessel is 15 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length bilge branch suction pipes shall be not less than 50 millimetres inside diameter;

(b) if the vessel is less than 15 metres in length bilge branch suction pipes shall be not less than 38 millimetres inside diameter;

(c) where a bilge main is fitted the cross sectional area of the bilge main shall be at least equal to the aggregate cross sectional area of the two largest branch suctions connected to the bilge main;

(d) bilge pumping systems shall be arranged in accordance with Rule 36(5)(c) of these Rules. Non-return valves shall be fitted in the discharge lines of hand operated bilge pumps unless the pumps are of suitable design and discharge directly onto the deck.

(8) In every such vessel bilge suctions shall be fitted with readily accessible strainers. The total area of the perforation in the strainer shall be not less than twice the cross sectional area of the bilge pipe.