Steering Systems Flashcards
As per SOLAS CH 2, how fast should we be able to swing the rudder from 35° to 30°?
28 seconds on two pumps
What is meant by autopilot in Track Control Mode?
Autopilot will follow a pre determined track, usually set by our ECDIS
What is meant by autopilot in Heading Control Mode?
Autopilot will follow a Gyro heading set by the Mariner
Situations to be in Hand steering:
High traffic density
Restricted Visibility
Pilotage
Approaching an anchorage
In tight coastal navigation
Bridge equipment failure
MOB situation
What is meant by Non Follow Up (NFU) Steering mode?
The OOW will move the tiller to one side, until reaching a desired rudder angle.
When released, the tiller will spring back, and the rudder will remain at that angle
What is meant by Follow Up (FU) Steering mode?
When the OOW moves the wheel, the rudder will FOLLOW this movement. When they centre the Wheel, It will follow it to centre
With regards to Auto pilot: What is the Rudder function?
Determines the amount of rudder applied relative to the amount of change in degrees
I.e. 1 degree course change, 3 degrees of rudder to achieve this
With regards to Auto pilot: What is the Counter Rudder function?
Amount of Counter rudder applied by the auto pilot when meeting a desired heading
With regards to Auto pilot: What is the Yaw function?
To be set depending on weather.
Allows for yawing, sets a delay in rudder application.
User set depending on sea state and weather
0 = no delay
Higher numbers = More delay
Dangers of Auto pilot
Over reliance, particularly in TCM
Loss of SA
Training required for proper use
How often should manual steering be tested?
Once per watch, or moving into areas of high traffic density
Steering Checks: Every Hour/After Prolonged Use
Rudder response to manual steering checked and confirmed from all Bridge positions on all pumps
Steering Checks: Before Entering coastal or congested waters
Communications between Bridge and Steering compartment
Rudder response to manual steering checked and confirmed from all Bridge positions on all pumps
Before Departure/Arrival
Comms between Bridge and Steering Compartment
Correct operation of:
Main steering gear
Aux steering gear
Remote steering gear control systems
Steering positions on the bridge
Emergency power supply
RAI
ROT indicator
Power failure alarms
Automatic isolation arrangements
How often should we conduct emergency steering drills?
Every 3 months
Changeover procedures and testing?
Auto-TCM
TCM- heading mode
Heading mode to hand steering
Hand steering-NFU
Hand steering-emergency steering
Checking and testing the Steering gear for departure/Arrival
Complete steering checks within 12 hours of departure /arrival
Call and inform engineers
Establish comms with engineers via emergency comms in Steering compartment
Engineers to visually inspect all steering gear for damage and leakage
Test isolation valves/shutoffs/alarms/local controls on Bridge
Test from Main console, FU, NFU, pumps 1 and two, and a combination of the two
Test time for hard over to hard over. No less than 28 seconds
Check Rudder Angle Indicator, and ROT indicator
Same process from each and all stations
Make a separate entry into the Bridge Log Book