Coast Guard Exams
Question 259General Subjects - QMED70% to pass

A centrifugal bilge pump requires priming _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) due to the inability of this type of pump to lift water to cover the suction (eye) of the impeller. Centrifugal bilge pumps require priming because they cannot self-prime. This means they cannot draw water up from below the level of the pump, as the impeller design does not create enough suction to lift the water. Priming the pump is necessary to fill the pump casing with water, allowing the impeller to then push the water out through the discharge. The other answer choices do not accurately describe the priming requirement for a centrifugal bilge pump.