8. Bilge Pumping Systems

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Bilge

Answer 2

The lowest part of a ship’s hull where water typically collects.

Question 3

Bilge Water

Answer 3

Water that accumulates in the bilge, often including oil, grease, and other contaminants.

Question 4

Bilge Pump

Answer 4

A pump used to remove bilge water from the ship to prevent flooding and maintain stability.

Question 5

Bilge System

Answer 5

A network of channels, pumps, and tanks designed to collect and remove bilge water from a ship.

Question 6

Manual Bilge Pump

Answer 6

A hand-operated pump used to remove water from the bilge.

Question 7

Electric Bilge Pump

Answer 7

An electrically powered pump used for automatic or manual pumping of bilge water.

Question 8

High-Level Alarm

Answer 8

An alarm system that activates when the water level in the bilge exceeds a pre-set level.

Question 9

Bilge Separator

Answer 9

A device that separates oil from bilge water before the water is discharged overboard.

Question 10

Oily Water Separator (OWS)

Answer 10

A specific type of bilge separator designed to remove oil from bilge water to meet environmental regulations.

Question 11

Discharge Regulations

Answer 11

Legal requirements that specify how and when bilge water may be discharged into the ocean.

Question 12

Check Valve

Answer 12

A valve that allows water to flow in one direction only, used in bilge lines to prevent backflow.

Question 13

Sump Pump

Answer 13

A pump used to remove water collected in a sump basin, often used as part of a ship’s bilge system.

Question 14

Automatic Float Switch

Answer 14

A switch that automatically activates the bilge pump when the water level rises to a certain height.

Question 15

Sounding Pipe

Answer 15

A tube used to measure the depth of liquid in a tank or bilge.

Question 16

Strainer

Answer 16

A filter placed on the intake of a bilge pump to prevent debris from clogging the system.

Question 17

Dry Dock Inspection

Answer 17

An inspection of the bilge and other parts of a ship that takes place when the ship is in a dry dock.

Question 18

Bilge Keel

Answer 18

A longitudinal, fin-like projection used to reduce a ship’s rolling by damping the water flow along the hull.

Question 19

MARPOL

Answer 19

International environmental regulations that include rules on the discharge of bilge water from ships.

Question 20

Holding Tank

Answer 20

A tank where bilge water is stored temporarily before being processed or discharged.

Question 21

Overboard Discharge

Answer 21

The release of bilge water into the sea, subject to strict environmental controls.

Question 22

Backflow Preventer

Answer 22

A device used to ensure that bilge water does not flow back into areas it has been pumped out of.

Question 23

Bilge Alarm

Answer 23

An alert system that warns of high water levels in the bilge, indicating potential flooding.

Question 24

Gulper Pump

Answer 24

A type of bilge pump known for its ability to handle bilge water with relatively large amounts of debris.

Question 25

Diaphragm Pump

Answer 25

A pump that uses a diaphragm to create a vacuum for pumping bilge water, effective at handling sludgy mixtures.

Question 26

Centrifugal Pump

Answer 26

A pump that uses a rotating impeller to move water, commonly used for bilge pumping.

Question 27

Bilge Wells

Answer 27

Small compartments within the bilge designed to collect water for easier pumping.

Question 28

Sludge Pump

Answer 28

A heavy-duty pump used for pumping more viscous fluids, such as oil-laden bilge sludge.

Question 29

Emergency Bilge Suction

Answer 29

A connection in the ship’s pumping system that allows for rapid dewatering of the bilge in emergencies.

Question 30

Bilge Coating

Answer 30

A protective coating applied to the bilge to prevent corrosion and facilitate easier cleaning.

Question 31

Bilge Monitoring System

Answer 31

An integrated system that continuously monitors the condition and level of bilge water to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.