5.15 ENGINE EMERGENCY SUCTION FROM THE BILGE

In the engine room there is the bilge emergency draining system, which operates with shunters (1), which allow using the sea water pumps, driven by the propulsion engines as draining pumps.

The diverters (1) are valves which, in their normal position, ensure sea water suction for engine cooling, through the sea cocks and the sea water strainers.

In case of emergency, use the handwheels of both valves, taking them to the emergency position; the suction of the pumps, driven by the engines, is now directly diverted towards the bilge.

Should it becomes necessary to use this draining system, the bilge level must be checked continuously, because in case of complete drainage, the engines will not be cooled down.

CAUTION

In case of emergency it is possible to suck the water from the bilge through the sea water pumps of each engine.

1. Engine sea cocks
2. Bilge emergency suction cocks
3. Suction selection handwheel
4. Engine sea cock strainers
   

CAUTION

When the bilge is empty, remember turning the valves back to sea water intake position, in order to avoid damaging the engines.