Shipboard equipment of general purpose comprises the whole complex of vessel life support systems: from marine pumps and pipelines to laundry equipment, fire-fighting, hold and ballast systems, desalinators and so on.

The hold system of a vessel is used for water extraction from the hold by means of pumps, pipelines, shutoff and distribution fittings, and controls. Dewatering (bilge pumping) and ballast pumping systems can also be parts of the hold system.

Sea water distilling and sewage-deck drain systems are ones of the most specific. The main distilling methods are congelation, distillation, electro-dialysis and reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis systems is the most advanced and efficient providing guaranteed water purity with high plant capacity. Besides, such plants can also be used for ship sewage purification (in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 Convention).

The comfortable microclimate onboard is provided by ventilation, air heating, and, sometimes, conditioning systems. Water (accommodations) and steam (machinery compartments) heating plants are used, too.