Product Overview

Summary: This Bilge Pump Installation and Testing Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, step-by-step instructions to correctly install, wire, commission and routinely test bilge pumps on vessels and marine plant. It helps Australian operators prevent flooding incidents, protect crew and assets, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and maritime safety requirements.

Bilge pumps are a critical line of defence against flooding, loss of buoyancy and catastrophic vessel failure. Incorrect installation, poor wiring, blocked intakes or neglected testing can all lead to pump failure at the worst possible time, putting crew safety, cargo and the environment at risk. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable approach for installing and testing bilge pumps on commercial and work vessels operating in Australian waters, including fishing vessels, work boats, barges, pilot boats and support craft.

The document walks users through pre-installation checks, safe isolation of power, pump siting and mounting, hose routing, electrical connections, float switch set-up, labelling, commissioning and functional testing. It also covers routine inspection and test intervals, record-keeping, and fault response. By implementing this SOP, marine businesses can reduce the likelihood of flooding incidents, improve reliability of critical safety systems, and show regulators, clients and insurers that they have robust, documented controls in place in line with Australian WHS and maritime safety expectations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of vessel flooding and loss of stability through consistent, best-practice bilge pump installation.
• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS and marine safety obligations by documenting clear installation and testing requirements.
• Improve reliability of bilge pump systems via structured commissioning, routine testing and defect management.
• Standardise work methods across crews, contractors and sites, reducing rework, confusion and unsafe improvisation.
• Support incident investigations and audits with clear records of inspections, testing and maintenance activities.

Who is this for?

• Marine Engineers
• Marine Electricians
• Shipwrights
• Vessel Masters and Skippers
• Commercial Fishing Vessel Owners
• Marina and Slipway Managers
• WHS Managers in Marine Operations
• Maintenance Supervisors (Marine and Offshore)
• Commercial Diving Support Crew
• Harbour and Port Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Vessel flooding due to failed or incorrectly installed bilge pumps
• Electric shock or arc fault during pump installation, wiring or testing
• Fire risk from incorrect cable sizing, overloading or poor electrical connections
• Trips, slips and falls when working in confined bilge spaces or engine rooms
• Exposure to hazardous bilge water containing fuel, oil, sewage or chemicals
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and positioning pumps, batteries and associated equipment
• Entrapment and crush injuries when working around moving machinery in engine spaces
• Confined space risks where bilge areas meet confined space criteria (oxygen deficiency, toxic atmospheres)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and References
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Required Competencies and Training
• 5.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials
• 6.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 7.0 Pre-Installation Planning and Risk Assessment
• 8.0 Isolation, Lockout and Tagout Procedures
• 9.0 Bilge Pump Selection and Location Requirements
• 10.0 Mechanical Installation – Mounting, Hoses and Discharge Routing
• 11.0 Electrical Installation – Power Supply, Cabling, Fusing and Terminations
• 12.0 Float Switch and Control Panel Installation and Set-Up
• 13.0 Commissioning and Initial Functional Testing
• 14.0 Routine Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Schedule
• 15.0 Managing Defects, Non-Conformances and Repairs
• 16.0 Environmental and Waste Management (Bilge Water and Contaminants)
• 17.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures (Bilge Spaces and Engine Rooms)
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures for Bilge Pump Failure or Flooding Events
• 19.0 Documentation, Labelling and Record-Keeping Requirements
• 20.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (Cth)
• Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law) 2018
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory legislation)
• AS/NZS 3004.2: Electrical installations – Marinas and pleasure craft – Pleasure craft
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Confined spaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) – Part C (Design and Construction) – Bilge and pumping arrangements (where applicable)