Bilge alarms

[ILikeRust]

So I'm browsing the USCG requirements and come across this one:

§ 182.530 Bilge high level alarms.

(a) On a vessel of at least 7.9 meters (26 feet) in length, a visual and audible alarm must be provided at the operating station to indicate a high water level in each of the following normally unmanned spaces:

(1) A space with a through-hull fitting below the deepest load waterline, such as a lazarette;
(2) A machinery space bilge, bilge well, shaft alley bilge, or other spaces subject to flooding from sea water piping within the space; and
(3) A space with a non-watertight closure, such as a space with a non-watertight hatch on the main deck.

(b) Vessels constructed of wood must, in addition to paragraph (a), provide
bilge level alarms in all watertight compartments except small buoyancy
chambers.

(c) A visual indicator must be provided at the operating station to indicate
when any automatic bilge pump is operating.

Guess I should add a bilge alarm...

[ndutton]

Here's the one I have. Mine did not come with the sensor so I wired it into my existing float switch. If my bilge water is high enough to activate the float switch, it's high enough to alert me. No need for a second sensor in my mind.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/woeimages/plumbing/large/17416.jpg

[jwmiser85]

I'm pretty sure it is only required if you are running your bilge pump in auto. I just shut mine off all the time and just check periodically.

[ndutton]

I think the intent of a high water alarm is to alert when shipping water aboard and the bilge pump is either not working or overwhelmed.

Reading what I just typed makes me think my strategy of connecting it to the existing bilge pump float switch needs to be re-evaluated. A failure of either the switch or the circuit would not trigger the alarm. For the system to be effective I believe it should be independent.

Add another project to the list.

[keelcooler]

Bill, You've stumbled into the regs for sub chapter T boats.

[ndutton]

My alarm installation had little to do with a USCG requirement which I'm not sure even applies to pleasure craft. True, I learned of it as a result of a USCG publication but it made sense to me. If the water is rising I want to know about it as soon as possible short of sleeping with my bare feet in the bilge. Engine alarms serve a similar purpose and many of us have those regardless of any imposed requirement.

[jwmiser85]

Agreed Neil

[67c&ccorv]

I like the "Water Witch" lineup of bilge alarms and controls - I have one of their automatic bilge and blower controls hooked up on my vessel.

Any number of sensors (gas - propane - CO2) can be hooked up to it and when triggered the blower will come on for the prescribed amount of time programmed by the owner.

The bilge pump control is totally automatic.

[jhwelch]

I also have a non-mechanical bilge pump switch. I've seen too many mechanical ones stick, usually in the on position, running the battery flat.