Steering Systems

Question 1

As per SOLAS CH 2, how fast should we be able to swing the rudder from 35° to 30°?

Answer 1

28 seconds on two pumps

Question 2

What is meant by autopilot in Track Control Mode?

Answer 2

Autopilot will follow a pre determined track, usually set by our ECDIS

Question 3

What is meant by autopilot in Heading Control Mode?

Answer 3

Autopilot will follow a Gyro heading set by the Mariner

Question 4

Situations to be in Hand steering:

Answer 4

High traffic density

Restricted Visibility

Pilotage

Approaching an anchorage

In tight coastal navigation

Bridge equipment failure

MOB situation

Question 5

What is meant by Non Follow Up (NFU) Steering mode?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is meant by Follow Up (FU) Steering mode?

Answer 6

When the OOW moves the wheel, the rudder will FOLLOW this movement. When they centre the Wheel, It will follow it to centre

Question 7

With regards to Auto pilot: What is the Rudder function?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

With regards to Auto pilot: What is the Counter Rudder function?

Answer 8

Amount of Counter rudder applied by the auto pilot when meeting a desired heading

Question 9

With regards to Auto pilot: What is the Yaw function?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Dangers of Auto pilot

Answer 10

Over reliance, particularly in TCM
Loss of SA
Training required for proper use

Question 11

How often should manual steering be tested?

Answer 11

Once per watch, or moving into areas of high traffic density

Question 12

Steering Checks: Every Hour/After Prolonged Use

Answer 12

Rudder response to manual steering checked and confirmed from all Bridge positions on all pumps

Question 13

Steering Checks: Before Entering coastal or congested waters

Answer 13

Communications between Bridge and Steering compartment

Rudder response to manual steering checked and confirmed from all Bridge positions on all pumps

Question 14

Before Departure/Arrival

Answer 14

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

Question 15

How often should we conduct emergency steering drills?

Answer 15

Every 3 months

Question 16

Changeover procedures and testing?

Answer 16

Auto-TCM
TCM- heading mode
Heading mode to hand steering
Hand steering-NFU
Hand steering-emergency steering

Question 17

Checking and testing the Steering gear for departure/Arrival

Answer 17

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