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Course Outline

Bailers and Bilge Pumps

To be able to remove water from the hull, the Small Vessel Regulations require you to carry a manual bilge pump. If your boat is not more than 9 metres (29.5 feet) long, you may carry a bailer instead of a pump. PWCs may carry a manual bilge pump or a bailer.

  • If you have a manual bilge pump, the pump and hose must be long enough that water can be pumped from the bilge space of the boat over the side of the boat.
  • If you have a bailer, the bailer should be made of plastic or metal, have an opening of at least 65 square centimetres (10 square inches), and be able to hold at least 750 millilitres (0.2 gallons).

To make your own bailer from a plastic jug, refer to Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide.

Bailing device

Non-Manual Bilge Pumps

Some pleasure craft are equipped with non-manual bilge pumps and water level detection systems.

These bilge pumps must be fitted with or accompanied by pipes or a hose long enough that water can be pumped from the bilge space of the boat over the side of the boat.

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  • Topic 2 of 9
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