STEERING GEAR

GUIDANCE ON TEST ROUTINES

AND CHECK LISTS
The regular testing of ships' steering gear is an
international requirement . ICS encourages
the effective implementation of such test
routines, and this card is intended to provide, in
convenient form, guidance on the tests to be
conducted and a list of checks to be performed .
Remote Manual Steering Gear
1.
After prolonged use of the automatic pilot, and
before entering areas where navigation requires special
caution, test the remote manual steering gear .
Multiple Steering Gear Power Units
2.
In areas where navigation requires special caution
use more than one steering gear power unit when such
units are capable of simultaneous operation .
Before Departure from Port
3.
Within 12 hours before departure from port, check
and test steering gear, including as applicable the
operation of the following :
(a) main steering gear ;
(b) auxiliary steering gear;
(c) all remote steering gear control systems ;
(d) steering positions on the navigation bridge ;
(e) emergency power supply ;
(f) rudder angle indicators in relation to actual
position of rudder;
(g) remote steering gear control system power
failure alarms ;
(h) steering gear power unit failure alarms ;
(i) automatic isolating arrangements and other
automatic equipment .

4 . Checks and tests should include :

(a) full rudder movement according to the
required capabilities of the steering gear ;
(b) visual inspection of the steering gear and its
connecting linkage ;
(c) operation of the communications between
the navigating bridge and the steering gear
compartment .
Changeover Procedures

5.
All officers concerned with the operation and/or
maintenance of the steering gear should acquaint
themselves with the changeover procedures .
Emergency Steering Drills
6.
Emergency steering drills should take place at
least every three months and must include direct control__
from within the steering gear compartment, the
communications procedure with the navigating bridge
and, where applicable, the operation of alternative power
supplies.
7.
The dates on which these checks and tests are
conducted and the emergency steering drills are carried
out must be recorded in the log book.

Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping

First issued April 1978
Revised January 1987
Produced by Witherby & Co. Ltd. . London E.C. I