ZODIAC MARITIME AGENCIES LTD

CHECK LIST NUMBER 8 - BRIDGE

Form :
Issue
Date
Approved

: Checklist No. 8
: 002
: Mar-06
: M.J.R

STEERING GEAR TEST ROUTINES

Note: As described in the Safety Manual 1 Chapter 15 and 33CFR164.25.
Manual Steering positions
After prolonged use of the auto pilot, and before entering coastal waters, test the steering gear at all
the manual steering positions on the bridge.
Multiple Steering gear power units
In coastal waters use more than one steering gear power unit when such units
are capable of simultaneous operation.
Before departure from port (As Described in Safety Manual 1 chapter 15and 33CFR164.25)
Within 12 hours of departure, check and test the steering gear including, as applicable, the
operation of the following:
1. The Main Steering Gear
2. The Auxiliary (Emergency) Steering Gear
3. The Remote Steering Control System
4. The Main Steering Position On The Bridge
5. The Emergency Power Supply
6. The Rudder Angle Indicator In Relation To The Actual Rudder Position
7. The Remote Steering Gear Control System Power Failure Alarms
8. The Steering Gear Power Unit Failure Alarms
9. Automatic Isolating Arrangements
10. The change over procedure diagrams for the steering gear are posted.
11. Suitable entries have been made in the log.
CHECKS AND TESTS
Rudder Movement According To Required Capabilities
Timing Of The Rudder Movement From Hard Over To Hard Over Is
Visual Check Of The Steering Gear Carried Out By ..
The Operation Of The Means Of Communication Between The Bridge And The Steering Gear
Compartment
Note:
All officers who are concerned with the operation test or maintenance of the steering gear
should acquaint themselves with the changeover procedure.

It is a requirement to have log entries to record that emergency steering gear drills have
been carried out every 3 months.

Explanation note to accompany Bridge checklist #8

1. The Main Steering Gear (which includes testing power supply from the bridge and the
steering gear room, to steering motors 1, 2 and 1+2 together to be done on main power
supply, including visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting linkages to be
carried out in the steering gear compartment.)
2. The Auxiliary Steering Gear (Solas Part-C, Reg: 29-6.1 on page-115)
(Quote-29-6.1-Where the main steering gear comprises two or more identical power units, an
auxiliary steering gear need not be fitted provided that : 29-6.1.2-in cargo ships, the main
steering gear is capable of operating the rudder as required by paragraph 3.2 while operating
with all power units.
Reg 29-3.2-The steering gear and rudder stock shall be-Capable of putting the rudder over
from 35 deg: on one side to 35 deg: on the other side with the ship at its deepest draught and
running ahead at maximum service speed and, under the same conditions, from 35 deg on
either side to 30 deg on the other side in not more than 28 seconds.)
(MOST OF OUR CARGO SHIPS COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE SO AUXILLARY STEERING
GEAR MAY NOT BE FITTED-check for your vessel).
3. The Remote Steering Control System- (which includes testing from the bridge wings or
other locations where steering controls are located (other than the main steering position on
the bridge) using steering motors 1, 2 and 1+2 together, main power.)
4. The Main Steering Position On The Bridge- (which includes testing from the bridge
using steering motors 1, 2 and 1+2 together, telemotors 1 and 2, the main follow up steering
and the non follow up steering, all to be done on main power.) TESTING THE UNITS FROM
WHERE THE HELSMAN NORMALLY STEERS.
5. The Emergency Power Supply- (which includes identifying which steering gear motor is
supplied by the emergency power supply followed by testing steering from the bridge on
emergency supply. On many ships this is possible without actually making back-out)
6. The Rudder Angle Indicator In Relation To The Actual Rudder Position-( The engineer in
the steering gear compartment will check and report to the bridge the position of the rudder in
the steering gear room which is compared with the position shown on the rudder angle
indicator.
At this time communications can also be checked by used the main and standby
communication systems)
7. The Remote Steering Gear Control System Power Failure Alarms-(Alarms fitted on the
steering consol or on the bridge consol indicating failure of remote steering etc:)
8. The Steering Gear Power Unit Failure Alarms-(Solas part-C reg:30-page 119)
(Audible and visual alarms on the bridge/engine control room as fitted)
9. Automatic Isolating Arrangements- (Solas part c- 29.16page-117)
Quote-Reg-16--Every tanker, chemical tanker or gas carrier of 10,000gross tonnage and
upwards shall, subject to paragraph 17, comply with the following:-2.2Loss of hydraulic
fluid from one system shall be capable of being detected and the defective system
automatically isolated so that the other actuating system or systems shall remain fully
operational. NOT NORMALLY FITTED ON CARGO SHIPS-check for your vessel.
Time Hard over to Hard over must not exceed 28 Sec: