13.1 A vessel of 8 m (26 feet) or more in length
shall be provided with individual bilge lines and bilge suctions for
each watertight compartment, except that the space forward of the
collision bulkhead need not be fitted with a bilge suction line when
the arrangement of the vessel is such that ordinary leakage may be
removed from this compartment by the use of a hand portable bilge
pump or other equipment, and such equipment is provided.
13.2 A bilge pipe in a vessel of less than 20
m (65 feet) in length shall be not less than 25 mm (1 inch) nominal
pipe size. A bilge pipe in a vessel of 20 m or more (65 feet) in
length shall be not less than 40 mm (1.5 inches) nominal pipe size.
A bilge suction shall be fitted with a suitable strainer having an
open area not less than three times the area of the bilge pipe.
13.3 Except when individual pumps are provided
for separate spaces, individual bilge suction lines shall be led to
a central control point or manifold and provided with a stop valve
at the control point or manifold and a non-return valve at some accessible
point in the bilge line. A stop non-return valve located at a control
point or manifold will meet the requirements for both a stop valve
and a non-return valve.
13.4 A bilge pipe piercing the collision bulkhead
shall be fitted with a screw-down valve located on the forward side
of the collision bulkhead and operate from the weather deck, or, where
it is readily accessible under service conditions, a screw-down valve
without remote operation may be fitted to the bilge line on the after
side of the collision bulkhead.