OICEW Task 5.2.E

Pump cargo-hold or shaft alley bilges

MMA Method

In order to satisfy NVIC 17-14 Task 5.2.E , MMA students must:

NVIC Method

See NVIC method.

STCW Competence Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency

Operate fuel, lubrication, ballast and other pumping systems and associated control systems

OICEW-A5.2 Operation of pumping systems:

Operation of bilge, ballast and cargo pumping systems
Condition Behavior Standard

On a vessel of at least 1,000 HP, on a simulator, or in a laboratory,

the candidate plans for and pumps out a cargo-hold or the shaft-alley bilge wells.


All The assessment is required for all OICEW endorsements regardless of any limitations for propulsion mode and/or vessel equipment.

The candidate performs the following actions, and describes them as they are performed:

  1. Sounds the bilge-water collecting tank to ensure it is capable of accommodating bilge water without overflowing;

  2. Lines up the bilge system to take a suction from the desired bilge well, and discharges to the bilge-water collecting tank;

  3. Primes the bilge pump if necessary;

  4. Starts the bilge pump;

  5. Monitors the bilge-pump suction and discharge pressure gauges to ensure the bilge pump has picked up suction;

  6. Monitors the bilge pocket level;

  7. Stops the bilge pump when the bilge pocket has been pumped dry;

  8. Restores the bilge system valve line back to normal;

  9. Properly fills in information in the Oil Record Book; and

  10. Takes proper action to prevent safety and pollution violations.