QUESTION 6.5.1

Emergency machinery-space bilge pumping arrangements

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Room

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether machinery-space bilges can be pumped promptly during flooding, with emergency suction and overboard controls accessible, marked, protected against misuse and understood by engineer officers.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

PROCEDUREThe procedure and flooding response plan define pumps, direct suctions, valve sequence, communications and MARPOL emergency provisions.IDENTIFICATIONEmergency bilge suction and emergency overboard valves are clearly marked and warnings are posted.ACCESSControls remain readily accessible during the foreseeable flooding condition.SECURITYSuction and overboard valves are sealed or otherwise controlled under company requirements to prevent unauthorised discharge.SEAL RECORDSSeal identity, application, breaking and replacement are controlled and recorded.OPERABILITYValves, remote controls, pumps and associated power arrangements are maintained and tested as permitted.KNOWLEDGEEngineer officers can trace the complete pumping route and explain when emergency discharge may be legally justified.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Trace the emergency bilge-suction route from the bilge to overboard.

Use the approved drawing to identify the selected pump, direct suction, discharge valve and operating sequence.

2Who may authorise breaking an overboard-valve seal?

Follow the company authority and emergency procedure, record the reason and seal identity, and notify the Master and shore management as required.

3When can an oily mixture be discharged during flooding?

Only within the MARPOL exceptions necessary for ship safety, saving life or resulting from damage, with all reasonable precautions and full records.

4How do you prevent accidental opening of the emergency overboard valve?

Use clear warnings, controlled access, seals or locks and the ship-specific operating procedure.

5What evidence shows the arrangement remains operable?

Show inspections, permitted functional tests, valve condition, seal records and defect closure without creating an unauthorised discharge.

Where an observation may arise

PROCEDURE

No ship-specific flooding response or emergency bilge-pumping sequence is available.

KNOWLEDGE

An engineer cannot identify the pumps, valves, sequence or MARPOL limitations.

ACCESS

The emergency suction or control is obstructed or not readily accessible.

MARKING

Valves are unmarked or lack warning against accidental opening.

SECURITY

Required seals are absent, inconsistent with the register or previously broken without record.

CONDITION

A pump, valve or remote control needed for emergency pumping is defective.

Master's practical note

Have the engineer trace the arrangement physically while using the drawing. The critical check is whether the selected pump and every valve can still be reached and operated when the normal bilge arrangement is overwhelmed.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Do not open an emergency overboard path for demonstration. Verification should use drawings, markings, seals, maintenance evidence and an approved safe test method.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 6.5.1
SOLAS Chapter II-1
MARPOL Annex I
IMO MSC.1/Circ.1424

Last reviewed: 2026-09-08