Bung

A plug used to close a drain, opening or small unwanted hole in a vessel.

Purpose-made bungs or drain plugs are fitted to openings such as dinghy drains and must be in place before launching whenever the design requires them. Their material and shape vary according to the opening they are intended to seal.

Tapered softwood plugs are also carried as emergency damage-control equipment near through-hull fittings. If a hose, skin fitting or seacock fails, a correctly sized plug may reduce the flow of water while a more secure repair is arranged. It is a temporary measure, not a dependable answer to every failure or a large rupture, so the correct sizes should be readily accessible and other means of controlling flooding should also be available.