For anyone venturing out into the Ocean or even the bay aboard a boat a bilge pump should be a mandatory piece of equipment. In fact I highly recommend several bilge pumps for each and every boat. To start with every boat should have a main bilge pump mounted to a float switch. This way the bilge pump turns on automatically whenever water rises high enough to float the switch. In addition mariners should also have a hand powered bilge pump in case of a power outage. Other pumps should be mounted in each separate area of the boat. For example if the bow section or anchor locker is separated from the main bilge by a bulkhead that area should have its own bilge pump. I know some Captains that actually adapt the salt water intake of their diesel engines to have a Y valve. In an emergency situation they can turn a valve and the engine itself turns into a big powerful bilge pump by sucking water out of the bilge rather. Another suggestion is mounting a simple bilge alarm. I have both an audible alarm as well as a dash mounted light. Both are mounted to float switches so when water rises over a certain level in the bilge the alarm sounds. In addition mariners should also always have a simple bucket aboard. Bailing with a bucket has kept many boats afloat over the years. Bottom line is mariners have to be prepared for the worst. Spending a few extra dollars now could save your boat and even your lives. Bilge pumps may not seem very exciting but I would recommend adding an extra pump or two before any luxury items.