Issued by: Lee Harrison, Deputy Harbour Master
Issue date: 15 October 2010
Cancel on: Further notice
Automatic Bilge Pumps
The attention of boat owners and operators is drawn to the potential of automatic bilge-pumps for causing pollution in the waters of the harbour.
In the event of an unexpected rise in bilge levels, the timely operation of an automatic bilge-pump can save a vessel from sinking. However, should the vessel’s bilges be contaminated with oil or sludge, or should the rise in bilge-level be due to an internal leakage of fuel, then automatic activation of the pump while the boat is moored alongside unattended could result in pollution of the harbour.
Harbour users are assured that the LHB considers any pollution to be a serious matter and that the Board, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, will make strenuous efforts to identify those responsible.
In view of the potential for causing pollution of the harbour, boat owners and operators are urged to seriously consider the advisability (or not) of leaving automatic bilge-pumps “live” while the boat is unattended. In the event that pumps are left “live”, then care should be taken to ensure that bilges are clean, and that operation of the pump will not result in the overside discharge of any oil.
