Question

With reference to the 1978 SOLAS protocol, which outlines mandatory requirements for steering gear tests and drills (20)

(a) Describe the test procedure to be carried out within the, 12 hours before departure on a sea-voyage;

(b) Describe the emergency steering drills that must take place at least once every, 3 months;

(c) State how often the test in (a) and the drill in (b) should be carried out for ships which regularly engage on voyages of short duration.

Answer 1

Regulation 26 - Steering Gear: Testing and Drills
(a) 1. Within 12 hours before departure, the ship's steering gear shall be checked and tested by the ship's crew. The test procedure shall include, where applicable, the operation of the following:

The main steering gear;
The auxiliary steering gear;
The remote steering gear control systems;
The steering positions located on the navigation bridge;
The emergency power supply;
The rudder angle indicators in relation to the actual position of the rudder;
The remote steering gear control system power failure alarms;
The steering gear power unit failure alarms; and
Automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment.

2. The checks and tests shall include:

The full movement of the rudder according to the required capabilities of the steering gear
A visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting linkage; and
The operation of the means of communication between the navigation bridge and steering gear compartment.

3.1 Simple operating instructions with a block diagram showing the change-over procedures for remote steering gear control systems and steering gear power units shall be permanently displayed on the navigation bridge and in the steering compartment.

3.2 All ship's officers concerned with the operation and/or maintenance of steering gear shall be familiar with the operation of the steering systems fitted on the ship and with the procedures for changing from one system to another.

(b) 4. In addition to the routine checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2, emergency steering drills shall take place at least once every three months in order to practise emergency steering procedures. These drills shall include direct control within the steering gear compartment, the communications procedure with the navigation bridge and, where applicable, the operation of alternative power supplies.
(c) 5. The Administration may waive the requirements to carry out the checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2 for ships that regularly engage on voyages of short duration. Such ships shall carry out these checks and tests at least once every week.

✓ Verified Model Answer (Text Solution)