What are the regulations on bilge pumps?

What are the regulations on bilge pumps?

Installation, use and bilge pump maintenance are subject to well-defined legislation. So, before choosing between an Attwood or Jabsco bilge pump model for your boat, ask yourself the right questions. What are the regulations on bilge pumps? What type of bilge pump would be ideal for my motor boat or sailboat? Which is the one whose flow corresponds to my template? In this article, we provide you with all the answers you need to choose a bilge pump that meets the standards that apply to your boat.

What is a boat bilge pump?

A bilge pump or sump pump is a device designed to suck water from a boat's bilge and transfer it outside. Its mission is to keep the hold dry, in emergency situations as well as in normal navigation. Several brands of bilge pumps exist such as Johnson pump, Seaflo or Whale. So, in your opinion which boat should have a bilge pump? In principle, all! Indeed, the hold designates the bottom of a nautical craft, that is to say that it can be a question of a boat as of a ship. This is the reason why bilge pumps are of different sizes and powers, depending on the sizes of the boats.

What are the different bilge pumps available on the market?

There is no point in trying to find out what are the regulations on bilge pumps, if you cannot distinguish the different models of pumps. There are three main ones: manual bilge pumps, ordinary or manually triggered electric bilge pumps, and automatic or self-priming electric bilge pumps. Often bilge pump manufacturers such as Nuova Rade, Osculati or Rule offer all models.

Manual bilge pumps

These bilge pumps require permanent muscle strength to function. Less powerful than the others, they generally have a discharge capacity of 25 to 100 L / min. Because of their low flow, they are often quickly submerged in the event of a major waterway. This is the reason why it is not recommended to use them as the main bilge pump. It is best to use it as a secondary bilge pump. There are two main models of manual bilge pumps: the portable or siphon bilge pump and the fixed or diaphragm bilge pump.

  • The mobile manual bilge pump: it is the most popular, best-selling manual bilge pump model. What makes its particularity is its removable, because its use does not require a definitive fixing on the boat. In addition, it can be stored in a crate or in a trunk, and transported with ease. Its main drawback comes from its speed, it is the lowest of all.

See an efficient siphon bilge pump.

  • The fixed manual bilge pump: designed to be attached to the hull of the boat, it is more powerful than the portable bilge pump. In addition, the fact that it is welded to the boat makes it possible to provide less force during suction. In some countries, regulations require it to be installed on boats directly during construction.

See The Best Fixed Diaphragm Manual Bilge Pumps:

-OSCULATI diaphragm bilge pump

- WHALE diaphragm bilge pump

The submerged or manually operated electric bilge pump

The most common model on motor boats and sailboats, this type of bilge pump works thanks to an electric motor which allows it to suck water from the bilge. Designed to be submerged, it usually attaches to the lowest point of the boat, as well as in areas that are difficult to access. It is said to be manually triggered, because it must be started using an ON / OFF switch.

You will find in the table below the submersible electric bilge pumps (manually operated) that we recommend according to their flow:

ModelMaximum delivery heightDebitRecommended fuseOutlet diameter
ATTWOOD TSUNAMI 12V T5002,4m500 GPH or 1 to 500 L / hA 319 mm (3/4 ")
RULE 12V BILGE PUMP-800 GPH or 3 L / h--
SEAFLO 12V BILGE PUMP4,5m1100 GPH or 3 to 500 L / hA 529 mm (1 1/8 ″)
The best submersible electric bilge pumps (manually operated)

NB: if you do not know which bilge pump flow rate to choose, consult our article 'What type of bilge pump should I choose for my boat?'. If you want to know the most suitable fuse for your bilge pump, read 'What fuse to use on a boat bilge pump?.

Self-priming automatic electric bilge pump

Its operation is based on the same principle as that of an electric submersible bilge pump. The difference between these two models is that the automatic bilge pump is equipped with a three position switch: ON / OFF / Automatic. Equipped with a float, it starts automatically as soon as the water reaches a “threshold height” in the hold (generally between 1 and 2 cm). The switch can also operate in manual ON / OFF mode, such as on an electric submersible bilge pump.

You will find in the table below the automatic bilge pumps that we recommend according to their flow:

ModelMaximum delivery heightDebitRecommended fuseOutlet diameter
SAHARA 12V ATTWOOD S5002,4m500 GPH or 1 to 500 L / hA 319 mm (3/4 ")
SEAFLO 12V AUTO BILGE PUMP2,5m750 GPH or 2 to 500 L / hA 619 mm (3/4 ")
SAHARA 12V ATTWOOD S11002,7m1100 GPH or 3 to 500 L / hA 629 mm (1 1/8 ″)
RULE LoPro 900S (for tight spaces)-56 L / min--
The best automatic bilge pumps

In some cases, the space available will be decisive in the choice of automatic bilge pump. For example, if your bilge is very narrow, opt for the automatic bilge pump RULE LoPro 900S. It is only 60mm high and is triggered from 3,25cm or 5cm of water. It can be mounted horizontally or vertically to adapt to the hold of any boat.

NB: if you already have a submerged bilge pump, you can easily convert to automatic pump. This is possible thanks to a automatic contactor (also called trigger float or water level sensor). Choose a contactor suitable for your bilge pump. The three automatic contactors below are all non-toxic and mercury-free:

What are the regulations on bilge pumps for boats?

This legislation makes it possible to know which boat must have a bilge pump, and in what configuration. It is set out in thesection 245-4.07 (“Drainage”), taken from the decree of 5 June 2015 amending the decree of 23 November 1987 relating to the safety of ships (divisions 241 and 245 of the annexed regulations). It is broken down as follows:

  • Category A, B and C vessels, as well as those of categories D with a hull length greater than 6 meters, must be fitted with main bilge pumps capable of emptying the entire hold of the craft; except for buoyancy volumes and chests. These ship models must also be fitted with secondary bilge pumps, capable of performing this task from outside the craft. This requirement does not apply to vessels with a hull length of less than 6 meters.
  • Vessels can be fitted with electric, manual or mechanical bilge pumps.
  • Any bilge pump must be able to withstand the stresses, pressures and temperatures encountered under normal conditions of use. It must be positioned above the maximum foreseeable water level, with the exception of submerged bilge pumps.
  • Electrical connections must be water resistant to the degree IP 67 , in accordance with the 60529 standard.
  • Bilge pumps used on each boat must comply with the standard EN ISO 8849.
  • Each suction should be made of a non-corrodible material that is easily accessible for cleaning.
  • The evacuation of the sucked water must be carried out above the waterline, or according to the provisions of thesection 245-4.05. This water cannot be pumped back into the cockpit (unless it has an opening to the sea), nor into the cockpit drain.
  • The components of the stationary dewatering systems are always secured. Circuits, on the other hand, must always be ready for use.
  • The capacities of the main bilge pumps of ships must always be greater than or equal to the following values:
    • 600 L / hour for ships with a hull length of less than 6 meters.
    • 900 L / hour for ships with a hull length of less than 12 meters.
    • 1 L / hour for ships with a hull length greater than 12 meters.
  • The minimum capacity of manual bilge pumps is determined on the basis of a pumping frequency of 45 strokes per minute.
  • Any vessel meeting the requirements of the standard EN ISO 15083 complies with ship safety standards.

What do we recommend for boat bilge pumps?

  • We recommend installing an automatic electric bilge pump (also called self-priming) rather than an electric submersible (manual) bilge pump. The safety of the automatic release is well worth its higher price (especially when you know how many boats sink at their moorings…). However, for this to be effective, you must pair your system with an alarm so that you have time to intervene before the battery runs out.
  • In any case, if you wish to connect an electric bilge pump (manual or self-priming), it is advisable to double it with a manual diaphragm fixed bilge pump. In fact, you should always plan a plan B if your power supply system no longer works.
  • In addition, the hand pump (portable siphon) or scoop can be used in addition to the bilge pump when cleaning the bilge but never as a supplement during a waterway (its flow rate being too low).

Regarding the necessary flow, we recommend choosing bilge pumps with flow rates much higher than the legislation:

  • For a boat ranging from 3,5 to 5 m in length, the connection of an automatic bilge pump having a flow rate of around 1900 l / hour is required.
  • Beyond 5 m to 7 m, you need a minimum flow rate of 3 l / hour.
  • For a boat ranging from 7 m to 9 m, the installation of an automatic bilge pump with a flow rate exceeding 4 l / hour is recommended.
  • For boats over 9m, you will have to choose a 12 v high flow bilge pump (or 24 v). In addition, it is recommended to install several autonomous bilge pumps distributed in different places of your vessel. We recommend having at least two heavy duty pumps. The most powerful bilge pump will need to be positioned under the engine or in the sump.

Obviously, you must also take into account the necessary delivery height and the space available in the bilge to determine the most suitable pump for your boat.

It is best to always oversize your pumps if you have enough space in your bilge and your electrical installation can support them. To give you an idea, a waterway created by a 120mm hole below the waterline generates a water inlet of 7200l / h, or 1900 GPH.

You will find in the table below the high flow bilge pumps that we recommend according to their flow. Their delivery height is between 5 and 6m (and up to 8m for the Osculati Maxi). However, these pumps are all electric submersible bilge pumps (manually operated). We therefore recommend converting them to an automatic pump using a automatic switch (see the previous paragraph).

ModelDebit
Rule Heavy Duty1500GPH
Attwood Heavy Duty1700GPH
Rule Heavy Duty2000GPH
SeaFlo Heavy Duty3000GPH
Maxi osculati3500GPH
Rule Heavy Duty3700GPH
Maxi osculati4700GPH
The best high flow bilge pumps

NB: these pumps must be installed with a fuse of up to 25A or more! For more details, read our article ''What fuse to use on a boat bilge pump?'.

Conclusion on the regulation and legal requirements of bilge pumps

There you go, you now know everything about what are the regulations on bilge pumps. Complying with these obligations on your motor boat or sailboat is a legal requirement, but above all it is your safety! All you have to do is choose which brand of bilge pump to buy! You are spoiled for choice between Marco, Plastimo, Attwood, Jabsco, Seaflo, Johnson pump, Whale, Nuova Rade, Osculati or Rule bilge pumps. Nevertheless, we recommend that you rely on the models suggested in this article.

Once you have made your choice, you can consult our article: How to install a bilge pump on a boat?. It will help you to properly install the through hull, the switch, the fuse et its fuse holder, non-return valve if necessary or the 25mm pressure hoses or 38 mm.

Learn more about boat bilge pumps:

How to install a bilge pump on a boat?

Automatic and Manual Bilge Pumps Reviews

The best cheap automatic bilge pumps.

How to test a bilge pump on a boat?