STEERING GEAR TESTING AND DRILLS :

Under international (IMO, SOLAS) regulations the Master must, within 12 hours before each departure ensure that the steering gear is checked and tested in order to be sure that it is working satisfactorily.

The test procedure shall include, where applicable, the operation of the following :-

a) Main steering gear.;

b) Auxiliary steering gear;

c)  All remote control systems for steering gear;

d) Steering positions located on the navigating bridge ;

e) Emergency power supply ;

f)      Rudderangle indicators in relating to the actual position of the rudder;

g) Remote steering gear control system power failure alarm ;
h) Steering gear power unit failure alarm

and   i)  Automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment required for steering gear.

Tests and checks shall include ;-

a) Full and free movement of rudder according to the required capabilities of the steering gear;

b) A visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting linkages ;

c)  Operation of the means of communication between the navigating bridge and the steering gear compartment.

Changeover Procedure :-

All relevant staff concerned with the operation should be familiar with the operation of the steering gear and the disposition and the purpose of isolating and bypass valves for emergency use and be aware of the procedure to be followed in the event of any failure.

EMERGENCY STEERING DRILLS :

The regulation requires that emergency steering gear drills be carried at every 3 months. These drills must include direct control from steering gear compartment, the communication procedure with the navigating bridge and where applicable, the operation of the alternative power supply. Simple operating instructions with a block diagram showing the changeover procedure for remote steering gear control systems and steering gear power units, must be permanently displayed on the navigation bridge andin steering gear compartmet.

INDEX ADV ENG                                                                                         NEXT