Bilge

As Bilge [ bɪlɡə ] is the lowest area designated on a ship, which lies directly above the planks or above the keel. In general, there is also at high temperatures the coolest place on the ship.

In the bilge collects the penetrated into the hull water ( for example, in wooden ships ) as well as more modern ships, condensation, particularly of the air conditioner. This water is called bilge water even keel manure. It can be pumped with built-in bilge or bilge pumps.

In modern ships with motor drive, provided the drive machine is not equipped with its own bilge, the engine bilge, the bilge water mostly with oil and residual fuel contaminated ( bilge oil ) and should not simply be pumped out at sea, but requires professional treatment by a Bilgenentöler. The legal basis for the discharge of bilge water at sea as well as the development of appropriate Bilgenentöler is Resolution MEPC. 107 (49 ) of the International Maritime Organization. It follows that within the twelve- mile zone bilge water with an oil content of max. 15 ppm may be initiated. In special protection areas the limit is partially at 5 ppm.

Bilge pig

In fables is reported by a being called the bilge pig which lives in the bilge and feeds on this. Perhaps this is due to a sucking sound that arises when the bilge water lapping at the ship's side when rolling and pitching of the ship. Young sailors are often led around by the nose, by sending them to feed the bilge pig.

Swell

• Ernst Wagner: Deck work. A handbook for sailors. 6th edition. Publisher Hammerich & Lesser, Hamburg 1959, DNB 455 339 031
• Peter Detje: Shipbuilding customer for boaters. Publisher Eckardt & Messdorf, Hamburg 1962
• Dietmar Bartz: Sailor language - From ropes, Pütz and shrouds, Delius Klasing Verlag, ISBN 3768819337