Bilg Alarm installation on Cargo Ships of 24m or more in length and which are under 500gt.

The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship) (Bilge Alarm) Regulations 2021

The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship) (Bilge Alarm) Regulations 2021 (“the Regulations”), require that a bilge alarm system be fitted on cargo ships of 24m or more in length and which are under 500GT.

Regulation 4 prescribes requirements for the bilge alarm system, including that a bilge water level detector must be installed in any engine room and any other space where bilge water is likely to accumulate, must sound an audible alarm in those places on the ship and at the times detailed in regulation 4(2) and at volume specified in regulation 4(3). Regulation 4(4) requires the fitting of a connected visual alarm in the control position of the ship which identifies which bilge water level detector has been triggered. Regulation 4(5) mandates that the bilge
alarm system must also be capable of functioning when the ship’s main power supply is not in operation.
The new legal requirement introduces a safety standard which will better protect:
o the ships concerned against water ingress that may lead to inundation or loss;
o the crew of such ships, including those who sleep on board;
o the environment, through reduced risk of pollution; and
o other vessels that may be in the immediate vicinity.
Regulation 3 perscribes the application of these Regulations to United Kingdom cargo ships of less than 500GT which are 24 metres or more in length wherever they may be, and to non-United Kingdom cargo ships of less than 500GT which are 24 metres or more in length, whilst they are within UK waters.