Section 6 Steering control systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, January 2023 - Volume 2 Machinery and Engineering Systems - Part 6 Steering Systems - Chapter 1 Steering Gear - Section 6 Steering control systems

Section 6 Steering control systems

Parent topic: Chapter 1 Steering Gear

6.1 General

6.1.1 The steering control system is to comply with Vol 2, Pt 9, Ch 7 Control, Alerts and Safety Systems.

6.1.2 Steering gear control is to be provided:

  1. For the main steering gear, both on the navigating bridge and in the steering gear compartment.

  2. Where the main steering gear is arranged according to Vol 2, Pt 6, Ch 1, 4.2 Performance requirements for rudder-type steering systems 4.2.3, by two independent control systems, both operable from the navigating bridge. This does not require duplication of the steering wheel or steering lever. Where the control system consists of a hydraulic telemotor, a second independent system need not be fitted.

  3. For the auxiliary steering gear, in the steering gear compartment and, if power operated, it shall also be operable from the navigating bridge and is to be independent of the control system for the main steering gear.

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

6.1.3 Any main and auxiliary steering gear control system operable from the navigating bridge is to comply with the following:

  1. Means are to be provided in the steering gear compartment for disconnecting any control system operable from the navigating bridge from the steering gear it serves.

  2. The system is to be capable of being brought into operation from a position on the navigating bridge.

6.1.4 The angular position of the rudder shall:

  1. If the main steering gear is power operated, be indicated at all conning positions. The rudder angle indication is to be independent of the steering gear control system.

  2. Be recognisable in the steering gear compartment.

6.1.5 Appropriate operating instructions with a block diagram showing the change-over procedures for steering gear control systems and steering gear actuating systems are to be permanently displayed in the wheel-house and in the steering gear compartment.

6.1.6 Arrangements for failure detection are to be provided with self-monitoring capabilities. In the event of failure being detected, an audible and individual visual alarm is to be initiated on the navigating bridge. See Vol 2, Pt 6, Ch 1, 8.1 Monitoring and alarms. Where the system failure alarms for hydraulic lock (see Table 1.8.1 Alarms) are provided, appropriate instructions are to be be placed on the navigating bridge to shut down the system at fault.

6.1.7 In the event of detecting a control system failure, which is likely to cause uncontrolled rudder movements, see Table 1.8.1 Alarms, the rudder is to retain its position at the time of failure. Alternatively, consideration will be given to the rudder moving to and retaining a position which is necessary for safe navigation of the vessel or to return to the mid-ship position where technical justification is submitted and is found to be satisfactory.

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