Steering System

Question 1

How quickly should the rudder move from one side to the other

Answer 1

28 seconds from 35° stbd to 35° port

Question 2

Autopilot Track control

Answer 2

Track Control System - the vessel is kept on a pre-determined track and uses an input from a satellite navigation system.

Question 3

Heading Control System

Answer 3

• a vessel’s autopilot - The navigator will set the required course into the autopilot. The autopilot then compares the ‘set course’ with information received from the gyrocompass. If there is a difference, a rudder command signal causes the rudder to move and bring the ship back on course.

Question 4

When to be in hand steering

Answer 4

Restricted visibility
High traffic density
Restricted waters
Proximity to navigational Hazards

More

Question 5

Modes of steering

Answer 5

Manual Steering - Follow-Up Mode (Wheel)

Manual Steering - Non-Follow-Up Mode (Joystick)

Remote Mode

Question 6

Steering Gear: Testing and Drills

Answer 6

All ship’s officers concerned with the operation and maintenance of the 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.

Question 7

Emergency Steering

Answer 7

Every vessel shall have a means of steering independent from the main steering. The vessel should have communications from the bridge to the steering flat to allow the order and response of helm orders.

Question 8

Helm order

Answer 8

1. Midships
2. Port / starboard five
3. Port / starboard ten
4. Port / starboard fifteen
5. Port / starboard twenty
6. Port / starboard twenty-five 7. Hard -a-port / starboard
7. Nothing to port/starboard 9. Meet her
8. Steady
9. Ease to five/ten/fifteen/twenty
10. Steady as she goes

Rudder to be held in the fore and aft position.
5° of port/starboard rudder to be held. 10°of port/starboard rudder to be held. 15°of port/starboard rudder to be held. 20° of port/starboard rudder to be held. 25°of port/starboard rudder to be held. Rudder to be held fully over to port/starboard.
Avoid allowing the vessel’s head to go to port/starboard.
Check the swing of the vessel ́s head in a turn.
Reduce swing as rapidly as possible. Reduce amount of rudder to 5°/10°/15°/20° and hold.
Steer a steady course on the compass heading indicated at the time of the order. The helmsman is to repeat the order and call out the compass heading on receiving the order. When the vessel is steady on that heading, the helmsman is to call out: “Steady on …”