The Endorsed Recommendation for Use (ERFU#94) regarding the use of inline bilge filters has recently been updated.
This relates to the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD/EU) and Recreational Craft Regulations (RCR/UK) and is designed to ensure that watercraft are constructed to prevent accidental discharge of pollutants such as oil and fuel. It states the “fitting of a filter in the bilge pump discharge line with an oil output of no more than 15ppm that is interchangeable with a 5ppm filter in case of inland waterway use.”
The new ISO 15083:2020 in part states this requirement endorsed by the ERFU.
One company offering a solution is Wave International, with its Wavestream bilge filters, which not only meet the latest RCD/RCR requirements but also adhere to Lloyds Type Approval. These bilge filters have been manufactured in the UK for over 20 years and are designed for the compact unit to be fitted in line with the bilge pump discharge line. Their cartridge filters work for both 15ppm and 5ppm, which means that boaters do not need to change their filters to meet the requirements when going from coastal to inland waterways.
Wave International’s systems use replaceable filter cartridges in a range of housings depending on the type and size of craft. They are fitted as standard by many manufacturers including Sunseeker, Oyster Yachts and Mangusta. The filters are designed to last for at least a season, depending on use, and are easily replaced. Used filters can be responsibly and safely disposed of at marinas and boatyards.