46 CFR § 143.275 - Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s143.275"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 143.275 - Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "143.275"
section_name: "Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "TOWING VESSELS"
part_number: "143"
part_name: "MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "143"
---


# 143.275 Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability.

There must be an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency dewatering. Any portable pump must have sufficient hose length and pumping capability. All installed bilge piping must have a check/foot valve in each bilge suction that prevents unintended backflooding through bilge piping.