Within twelve hours before departure of the ship from port, following systems to be
checked and tested:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
In port, Duty Officer check rudder is clear of obstructions.
Test main and secondary communications, Bridge to Steering Flat.
Check main steering from bridge with both the motors one by one and then together.
Check NFU.
Check operations from remote controls if there is any.
Compare rudder angles with steering room and lights of rudder indicators.
Try out steering from any other systems available from bridge.
Test gyro off course alarm.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Duty Engineer/Electrician to check the following from steering flat and report:
All steering linkages for good connection.
Oil levels of reservoirs for hydraulic system.
Power failure indicators and alarm systems associated with steering.
Remote steering from engine room.
Emergency steering from engine room.

Main steering gear and system.

Auxiliary steering gear and system

The remote control systems of steering gear

The steering position indicator on the navigation bridge. To be tested to tally
with both helm indicator in steering flat and actual rudder position

The emergency power supply to one of the steering unit

The rudder angle indicators showing actual position of the rudder

Power failure alarms for the remote steering gear control system

Power unit failure alarms for the steering gear unit

Automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment
Following listed procedure must be included along with the check and tests
described above:
1. The full movement of the rudder as per the required capabilities of the steering
gear system present onboard
2. A visual inspection of all the linkages and connection in the steering gear
3. The means of communication between the steering gear room and navigational
bridge must always be operational
Other Important requirements related to steering gear are:

A block diagram displaying the steering system, the changeover procedure
from remote to local steering and steering gear power unit indicating the
emergency supply unit must be clearly mentioned.

This diagram must be pasted in Navigation Bridge and steering gear
compartment

All officers and crew concerned with the operation and maintenance of steering
gear system must be familiar with changeover procedure from one to other
system

Emergency steering drills to be carried out inn not more than three months
period.

Date and time for the tests, checks and drills carried out in steering gear
system must be recorded.