🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR requirements for bilge pumps on commercial fishing vessels • Difference between fixed and portable bilge pumping arrangements • When equipment on small vessels is allowed to serve more than one purpose (e.g., bilge vs. fire)

💭 Think About

• First, decide whether regulations care more about the capacity of the pump or the arrangement (how it is installed and used) on fishing vessels. • Think about why a bilge pump might or might not be allowed to do double duty as another type of pump on a small commercial vessel. • Consider what the rules try to ensure when a vessel has multiple watertight compartments—do they require more pumps, different types of pumps, or just proper suction to each space?

✅ Before You Answer

• Check in 46 CFR whether there is a specific minimum gpm requirement for bilge pumps on commercial fishing vessels, or only a general suitability requirement. • Verify if there is a rule that vessels over a certain length (24 m) must have fixed bilge pumps, or if length is not the deciding factor for fixed vs. portable. • Confirm whether regulations explicitly allow or forbid a bilge pump from being used as a fire pump on commercial fishing vessels.