QUESTION 10.2.5

Bilge-level detection and flooding alarms

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Room, Forecastle, Bridge, Cargo Control Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether bilge and flooding detectors in machinery, steering, forecastle and other required spaces activate at the correct level and transmit alarms to the intended stations.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

DETECTOR LISTAll required bilge wells and flooding spaces are mapped to detector identity, alarm point and test method.FUNCTION TESTTests prove the sensing element, alarm logic, audible and visual indication and remote transmission.SET POINTFloat, conductivity or pressure devices are clean, correctly positioned and not tied up, bypassed or obstructed.ALARM LOCATIONSignals reach the bridge, ECR, duty engineer or other approved station for the operating mode.RECORDSPeriodic test records identify each detector and actual result, not a single blanket entry.DEFECT CONTROLAny failed detector has prompt repair, risk assessment and compensating watch or monitoring.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1How do you test this detector?

Use the approved method to stimulate the sensor and verify local and remote alarm paths without creating pollution or equipment damage.

2Where does the alarm appear during UMS?

Identify the exact panel and duty call path and how non-acknowledgement escalates.

3Which spaces have independent flooding detection?

Use the vessel plan and list machinery bilges, steering flat, forecastle and other applicable compartments.

4What if a detector is isolated?

Authorise and log the isolation, notify affected stations, provide frequent physical checks and restore it urgently.

5How can a test give a false pass?

Testing only the panel input or lifting a float without confirming the full remote alarm path does not prove the whole system.

Where an observation may arise

PANEL-ONLY TEST

Records prove an electrical alarm input but not operation of the field sensor.

BLOCKED SENSOR

A float or probe is fouled, restrained or incorrectly located.

NO REMOTE ALARM

The signal does not reach the required attended station.

BLANKET RECORD

The test entry does not identify individual detectors or results.

ISOLATION

A detector is bypassed without compensating control or repair plan.

Master's practical note

Choose one remote detector and trace the test from physical activation to the final attended alarm point. Panel-lamp tests alone leave the most failure-prone part unverified.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: The number, position and alarm routing of detectors depend on vessel design, class and statutory requirements. Use the approved drawings and test instructions.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.2.5
SOLAS Chapter II-1
SOLAS Chapter II-2
ISM Code sections 8 and 10

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10