Steering Systems

Question 1

Autopilot track control

Answer 1

-Vessel kept on predetermined track.
-Uses GNSS input.

Question 2

Auto Pilot heading control

Answer 2

Course set by mariner.
Compared with input from Gyro compass.

Question 3

When to be in hand steering?

Answer 3

-Areas of high density
-Restricted visibility
-Critical ship manoeuvres, ie anchoring

Question 4

Modes of steering

Answer 4

Manual - Follow Up (Wheel)
Manual - NON Follow Up (Joystick)
Remote - (Bridge Wings)

Question 5

Steering gear testing and drills

Answer 5

See BPG Checklists

Every Watch
Before entering coastal / congested waters
Before departure (not more than 12hrs)
Emergency Steering Drills: <3 months

Question 6

Emergency steering requirements

Answer 6

Each Vessel must have:
-means of steering independent from the main steering.
-comms between bridge and steering flat to allow order and response of helm orders

Question 7

HELM orders

Answer 7

usual:
midships, stbd 5, port 10, hard a stbd, ease to five.

unusual:
Meet her : check swing of vessels head in a turn
Steady: reduce swing as rapidly as possible
Steady as she goes: Steer a steady course on the compass heading indicated at the time of order. helmsman : “Steady on….”