Which equipment is used to dewater when firemain service is unavailable?

• A. Portable eductors
• B. Manual pumps
• C. Sump pits
• D. Vacuum pumps

Answer: (A)

When the firemain is unavailable, dewatering is done with an air-driven jet pump called a portable eductor. It uses a supply of compressed air to create a high-velocity jet that entrains water from the space through a suction hose and discharges it through a discharge hose. The motive air creates a venturi effect that draws in water without needing the ship’s firemain or electrical power, making it ideal for rapid dewatering in damaged or isolated compartments. Other options aren’t as practical in this scenario: manual pumps rely on physical effort and can be slow, sump pits are just collection basins, and vacuum pumps require power and aren’t as directly effective for moving large amounts of water.