Nautical Term: Limber holes
Definition of Limber holes
Limber holes are a series of holes located at the bottom of a ship’s tank sections. These holes form part of the limber passage, which is used to drain bilge water from the tank sections to a seepage basin. From the basin, the bilge water is then pumped out of the ship. Thus, the limber passage plays a crucial role in maintaining the watertight integrity of a ship’s tanks.
For instance, consider a large cargo ship that is transporting various goods across the ocean. During the voyage, the ship’s tanks are filled with various types of liquids, such as fuel oil, diesel fuel, and ballast water.
To ensure that the ship’s tanks remain watertight and free from excessive water buildup, the ship’s crew must regularly inspect and maintain the limber passage system.
For example, the crew might periodically inspect the limber holes for any signs of blockage or damage. They might also check the seepage basin for any signs of leaks or overflow.
If any issues are identified during the inspection, the crew must take appropriate action to address the problem. For instance, they might need to
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