Section 7.17.3.5 Arrangements of bilge drainage systems for cargo spaces
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.1102 – Interpretations of the 2000 HSC Code and SOLAS Chapter X – (15 September 2003) - Annex 1 - Interpretations of Provisions of the 2000 HSC Code - Section 7.17.3.5 Arrangements of bilge drainage systems for cargo spaces

Section 7.17.3.5 Arrangements of bilge drainage systems for cargo spaces

  1 If the bilge drainage system for cargo spaces is additional to the system served by pumps in the machinery space, the capacity of the system should be not less than 10 m3/h per cargo space served. If the additional system is a common system, the capacity need not exceed 25 m3/h. The additional bilge system need not be arranged with redundancy. Whenever flammable or toxic liquids are carried, the bilge line into the machinery space should be isolated either by fitting a blank flange or by a closed lockable valve.

  2 If bilge drainage of cargo spaces is arranged by gravity drainage, the drainage should be either lead directly overboard or to a closed drain tank located outside the machinery spaces. The tank should be provided with vent pipe to a safe location on the open deck.

  3 Enclosed spaces outside machinery spaces containing bilge pumps serving cargo spaces intended for carriage of flammable or toxic liquids should be fitted with separate mechanical ventilation giving at least six air changes per hour. Electrical equipment in the space should comply with the IACS Unified Interpretation SC 79. If the space has access from another enclosed space, the door should be self-closing.

  4 Drainage from a cargo space into bilge wells in a lower space is only permitted if that space satisfies the same requirements as the cargo space above.


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