Within 12 hours before departure, the ships steering gear is checked and tested by the ship’s crew.
The test procedures include the operation of the following:
The Main steering Gear
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1.png)
The auxiliary steering gear
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-1024x792.png)
The remote steering gear control systems
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3.png)
The steering positions located on the navigation bridge.
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4.png)
The emergency power supply
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/5.png)
The rudder angle indicators in relation to the actual position of the rudder.
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6-1-1024x786.png)
The remotes steering gear control system power failure alarms
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/6-2-1024x777.png)
The steering gear power unit failure alarms
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/7.png)
Automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment.
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8-1024x720.png)
The checks and tests include
The full movement of the rudder according to the required capabilities of the steering gear
A visual inspection for the steering gear and its connecting linkage
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/9.png)
The operation of the means of communication (telephone) between the navigation bridge and steering gear compartment.
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/10.png)
Responsibility
All ships officers concerned with the operation and/or maintenance of steering gear shall be familiar with the operation of the steering gear fitted on the ship and with the procedures for:
- Running with one pump
- Running with two pumps
- Emergency steering from steering compartment
Emergency steering procedures
In addition to the routine checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2, emergency steering drills take place at least once every three months in order to practice emergency steering procedures.
These drills include:
- Direct control within the steering gear compartment
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/11.png)
- Communications procedure with the navigation bridge
- Operation of alternative power supplies
Single Failure
Test cocks are provide to isolate and drain the alarm float chamber.
As the float chamber is drained slowly , level switch L1-L2-L3 are triggered in sequence.
![](https://knowledgeofsea.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/12.png)
The operation of isolation, by-pass and starting of standby pump can be confirmed, without actually draining the main tank.
After the test, make sure system valves are correctly secured and operational.