Section 4 Steering control and electric power systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Inland Waterways Ships, July 2022 - Part 5 Main and Auxiliary Machinery - Chapter 15 Steering Systems - Section 4 Steering control and electric power systems

Section 4 Steering control and electric power systems

Parent topic: Chapter 15 Steering Systems

4.1 Fully powered steering gear

4.1.1 Fully powered steering gears may be of the direct electric or electric/hydraulic type; requirements for the electric and control engineering, see also Pt 6, Ch 1, 3.7 Steering gear and Pt 6, Ch 2, 2.8 Steering gear.

4.1.2 Powered steering gears are to be fitted with means to limit the torque exerted by the drive.

4.1.3 In case of failure of the main drive and the secondary drive not engaging automatically, it is to be possible to engage the secondary drive by hand at the steering position within five seconds, with the rudder in any position.

4.1.4 At the steering station, automatic indication is to be provided as to which drive is in operation.

4.1.5 If the independent secondary drive is manual the power drive is not to actuate the hand wheel. A device is to be fitted to prevent inadvertent turning of the hand wheel when the manual drive is engaged automatically.

4.1.6 Where the main steering gear is power operated whilst the secondary steering is a manually operated hydraulic system, the piping of both systems is to be completely separate, and the main installation is to operate without using the steering wheel pump of the secondary installation.

4.1.7 Where both the main and secondary drive is power hydraulic, the respective pumps are to be driven independently.

4.1.8 Where the secondary pump is driven by an engine which does not operate continuously whilst the ship is in motion, means are to be provided to operate the steering gear instantly whilst the emergency engine is gaining the required speed.

4.1.9 The two installations are to have separate pipes, valves, controls, etc. Where the independent functioning of the two installations is ensured, they may have common components.

4.1.10 Where the steering gear is so arranged that more than one power system can be simultaneously operated, the risk of hydraulic locking caused by a single failure is to be considered.

4.2 Manual drive

4.2.1 Where the sole steering installation is a manually operated system, an independent secondary steering system is not required, provided that in the case of a hydraulic system the dimensioning, construction and layout of the piping precludes deterioration through mechanical action or fire, and the construction of the steering wheel pump ensures faultless operation.

4.2.2 A manually operated steering gear may be supplemented by a power assistance installation provided the steering assistance gear is capable of being engaged or disengaged at the steering station with the rudder in any position and the ‘on’ position is clearly indicated.

4.2.3 If a power assisted manual drive is fitted as a secondary means of steering, the power assistance installation is to be completely separate from the main steering system and is not to preclude compliance with Pt 5, Ch 15, 4.1 Fully powered steering gear 4.1.3.

4.3 Rudder position

4.3.1 If the position of the rudder(s) is not clearly discernable from the steering station, a reliable rudder angle indicator is to be provided at the steering station.

4.3.2 Any rudder angle indicator fitted, is to function for both the main and secondary steering gear.

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