4.8 Bilge pumping arrangements
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1989 MODU Code – Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 – Resolution A.649(16) - Chapter 4 – Machinery Installations for all Types of Units - 4.8 Bilge pumping arrangements

4.8 Bilge pumping arrangements

  4.8.1 An efficient bilge pumping system should be provided, capable of pumping from and draining watertight compartments other than spaces permanently appropriated for the carriage of fresh water, water ballast, oil fuel or liquid cargo and for which other efficient means of pumping are provided, under all practical conditions whether the unit is upright or inclined, as specified in 4.1.4. Additional suctions should be provided in large compartments or compartments of unusual form, as deemed necessary by the Administration. Arrangements should be made whereby water in the compartment may find its way to the suction pipes. Compartments not provided with a bilge suction may be drained to other spaces provided with bilge pumping capability. Means should be provided to detect the presence of water in such compartments which are adjacent to the sea or adjacent to tanks containing liquids and in void compartments through which pipes conveying liquids pass. If the Administration is satisfied that the safety of the unit is not impaired, the bilge pumping arrangements and the means to detect the presence of water may be dispensed with in particular compartments.

  4.8.2 At least two self-priming power pumps connected to each bilge main should be provided. Sanitary, ballast and general service pumps may be accepted as independent power bilge pumps if fitted with the necessary connections to the bilge pumping system.

  4.8.3 All bilge pipes should be of steel or other suitable material having properties acceptable to the Administration. Special consideration should be given to the design of bilge lines passing through ballast tanks taking into account effects of corrosion or other deterioration.

  4.8.4 The arrangement of the bilge pumping system should be such as to prevent the possibility of water passing from the sea into dry spaces, or inadvertently from one compartment to another.

  4.8.5 All distribution boxes and manually operated valves in connection with the bilge pumping arrangements should be in positions which are accessible under ordinary circumstances. Where such valves are located in normally unmanned spaces below the assigned load line and not provided with high bilge water level alarms, they should be operable from outside the space.

  4.8.6 A means to indicate whether a valve is open or closed should be provided at each location from which the valve can be controlled. The indicator should rely on movement of the valve spindle.

  4.8.7 Drainage of hazardous areas should be given special consideration having regard to the risk of explosion (see 6.3.2).

  4.8.8 The following additional requirements are applicable to column-stabilized units:

  • .1 Chain lockers which, if flooded, could substantially affect the unit's stability should be provided with a remote means to detect flooding and a permanently installed means of dewatering. Remote indication of flooding should be provided at the central ballast control station.

  • .2 At least one of the pumps referred to in 4.8.2 and pump-room bilge suction valves should be capable of both remote and local operation.

  • .3 Propulsion rooms and pump-rooms in lower hulls should be provided with two independent systems for high bilge water level detection providing an audible and visual alarm at the central ballast control station.

Parent topic: Chapter 4 – Machinery Installations for all Types of Units
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