9 Main Steering Gear
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - SCV Code - Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessels Operating in the Caribbean - Chapter IV - Machinery - Part B - Steering and Propeller Systems - 9 Main Steering Gear

9 Main Steering Gear

  9.1 A vessel shall be provided with main steering gear that is:

  • .1 of adequate strength and capable of steering the vessel at all service speeds;

  • .2 designed to operate at maximum astern speed without being damaged or jammed; and

  • .3 capable of moving the rudder from 35° on one side to 30° on the other side in not more than 28 seconds with the vessel moving ahead at maximum service speed.

  9.2 Control of the main steering gear, including control of any necessary associated devices, motor, pump, valve, etc., shall be provided from the operating station.

  9.3 The main steering gear shall be designed so that transfer of control from the main steering gear to the auxiliary means of steering required by regulation IV/10 can be achieved rapidly. Any tools or equipment necessary to make the transfer shall be readily available.

  9.4 The vessel’s operating station shall be arranged to permit the person steering to have the best possible all around vision.

  9.5 Strong and effective rudder stops shall be provided to prevent jamming and damage to the rudder and its fittings. These stops may be structural or internal to the main steering gear.

  9.6 In addition to meeting the requirements of IV/9.1 to 9.5, a vessel with a power driven main steering gear shall be provided with the following:

  • .1 a disconnect switch located in the steering compartment, and instantaneous short circuit protection for electrical power and control circuits sized and located to the satisfaction of the Administration;

  • .2 an independent rudder angle indicator at the operating station;

  • .3 an arrangement that automatically resumes operation, without reset, when power is restored after a power failure;

  • .4 a manual means to centre and steady the rudder(s) in an emergency; and

  • .5 a limit switch to stop the steering gear before it reaches the rudder stops required by IV/9.5.

  9.7 A vessel of more than 20 m (65 feet) in length with a power driven main steering gear shall in addition be provided with the following:

  • .1 a visual means, located at the operating station, to indicate operation of the power units; and

  • .2 instructions for transfer procedures from the main steering gear or control to the auxiliary means of steering required by regulation IV/8, posted at the location where the transfer is carried out.

Parent topic: Part B - Steering and Propeller Systems
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