🔍 Key Concepts

• Meaning of independent in piping systems (not relying on shared manifolds or automatic valves) • Difference between machinery space bilge and cargo-hold bilge arrangements • Role of a pump that is normally used as a bilge pump versus a pump used for another primary purpose (e.g., fire, ballast)

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: if a suction is called independent, would it go through a common bilge manifold and automatic suction valves, or have its own direct line? • Consider which space (machinery space vs. cargo hold) is traditionally required to have a special back-up way of pumping out in case the normal bilge system fails. • Think about why regulations often require that a separate emergency suction be fitted to a main engine circulating pump or similar. Is that pump usually a bilge pump or some other service pump?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify whether independent should mean "separate from bilge manifolds/automatic valves". • Confirm whether emergency/independent bilge suction is normally associated with the machinery space or with cargo holds. • Check if the definition should involve a pump not normally used as a bilge pump versus one that is the regular bilge pump.