1 Within 12 hours before departure, the ship's
steering gear shall be checked and tested by the ship's crew. The
test procedure shall include, where applicable, the operation of the
following:
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.1 the main steering gear;
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.2 the auxiliary steering gear;
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.3 the remote steering gear control systems;
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.4 the steering positions located on the navigation
bridge;
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.5 the emergency power supply;
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.6 the rudder angle indicators in relation to
the actual position of the rudder;
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.7 the remote steering gear control system power
failure alarms;
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.8 the steering gear power unit failure alarms;
and
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.9 automatic isolating arrangements and other
automatic equipment.
2 The checks and tests shall include:
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.1 the full movement of the rudder according to
the required capabilities of the steering gear;
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.2 a visual inspection for the steering gear and
its connecting linkage; and
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.3 the operation of the means of communication
between the navigation bridge and steering gear compartment.
3.1 Simple operating instructions with a block
diagram showing the change-over procedures for remote steering gear
control systems and steering gear power units shall be permanently
displayed on the navigation bridge and in the steering compartment.
3.2 All ships' officers concerned with the operation
and/or maintenance of 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.
4 In addition to the routine checks and tests
prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2, emergency steering drills shall
take place at least once every three months in order to practise emergency
steering procedures. These drills shall include direct control within
the steering gear compartment, the communications procedure with the
navigation bridge and, where applicable the operation of alternative
power supplies.
5 The Administration may waive the requirements
to carry out the checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2
for ships which regularly engage on voyages of short duration. Such
ships shall carry out these checks and tests at least once every week.
6 The date upon which the checks and tests prescribed
in paragraphs 1 and 2 are carried out and the date and details of
emergency steering drills carried out under paragraph 4, shall be
recorded.