Marine Auxiliary

Machinery
Chapter 8

Lesson 5

Safety rules and regulations

Learning objectives

Rules in general
Requirements concerning the steering gear
SOLAS 1997,chapter V, Regulation 19-2.

The Rules in general

This is the administrative
hierarchy that has been
established by the United
Nations in order to develop an
standard of rules covering
maritime matters.

United Nations

United Nations headquarters in

New York

IMO and SOLAS

IMO
International maritime organization.
This committee consists of
representatives from all the member
countries. IMO made the SOLAS
SOLAS
Safety of lives at seas.
A comprehensive set of rules made by
IMO to ensure safety at sea.

Class rules
These are rules set by the class
companies
Such as:

DNV-Det norsk veritas (N)

LRS-Lloyds Register of shipping (GB)
ABS-American Bureau of shipping (USA)
GL-Germanischer Lloyd (D)

And others

Speed of rudder
For regular ships the rudder
must be able to turn
minimum 35 degrees to
each sides. To meet the
rules concerning rudder
angle velocity, the rudder
must be able to turn from
35 degrees to 30 degrees on
the other side in maximum
28 seconds. This is called
the minimum angle velocity.

Torque capacity (1)

The steering gear must be big
enough to turn the rudder to 25
degrees port and starboard at full
speed (Ruder torque/Maximum
working torque). This torque is
achieved at a certain oil pressure
working on the vanes of the rotor.
The safety valve is set at a
corresponding oil pressure
minimum 25% above this. when the
safety valves open the oil is allowed
to by-pass the vanes.

Torque capacity (2)

In addition the steering gear is
to be pressure tested with a
much higher pressure. This is
done by the manufacturer
before delivery.
The hydraulic system should
be designed so that single
failure doesn't put the
steering gear out of function.

Placing of emergency scheme (1)

The procedure diagram for emergency steering should be

easily seen in the wheel house and steering gear
compartment.

Placing of emergency scheme (2)

The emergency steering is done by the use of non-follow

up push buttons on the starter cabinet or directly on the
directional valves on the steering gear.

System alarms (1)

The system shall be looked
after by monitoring important
functions specified in the rules
such as oil levels and power
supply. The monitoring is done
by placing sensors in important
areas. These sensors, either one
by or in combinations, activate
different alarms.

System alarms (2)

The operator of the steering
gear must have the
necessary competence. the
steering gear vital functions
are to be regular checked
by the crew and the crew
are to be drilled in
emergency procedures.

The SOLAS rules (1)

5.3.4regulation19-1
Operation of steering gear
In areas where navigation demands special caution, ships
shall have more than one power unit in operation when
such units are capable of simultaneous operation.

The SOLAS rules (2)

5.3.4regulation19-2
Steering gear: Testing and drills
(a) within 12h before departure, the ship's steering gear shall
be checked and tested by the ship crew. The test procedure
shall include, where applicable, the operation of the
following:
(i) the main steering gear;
(ii) the auxiliary steering gear;
(iii) the remote steering gear control systems;

The SOLAS rules (3)

(iv) the steering positions located on the navigation
bridge;
(v)
the emergency power supply;
(vi)
the rudder angle indicators in relation to the actual
position of the rudder;
(vii) the remote steering gear control system power
failure alarms;
(viii) the steering gear power unit failure alarms;
(ix)
automatic isolating arrangements and other
automatic equipment.

The SOLAS rules II (1)

(b) The checks and tests shall include:

(i) the full movement of the rudder according to the required

capabilities of the steering gear;
(ii) a visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting
linkage; and
(iii) the operation of the means of communication between the
Navigation Bridge and steering gear compartment.

The SOLAS rules II (2)

(c) (i) 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 gear compartment.
(ii) All ships officers concerned with the operation or
maintenance of steering gear shall be Familiar with the
operation of the steering systems fitted on the ship and with
the procedures for change from one system to another.

The SOLAS rules II (3)

(d) In addition to the routine checks and tests
prescribed in every three months in order to practise
emergency steering gear procedures. These drills shall
include direct control from From within the steering
gear compartment, the communications procedures
with the Navigation Bridge and, where applicable, the
operation of the alternative power supplies.

The SOLAS rules II (4)

(e) The Administration may waive the requirement to carry
out the checks and tests Prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b)
for ships which regularly engage on voyages of short
Duration. such ships shall carry out these checks and tests at
least once every week.
(f) The date upon which the checks and tests prescribed in
paragraphs (a) and (b) are carried out and the date and
details of emergency steering gear drills carried out under
paragraphs (d) shall be recorded in the log-book as may be
prescribed by the Administration.

Assessment Tests
Question 1 of 3
According to the SOLAS rules the rudder angle
velocity should be at least 35-0-30degrees in
maximum 28 seconds for.
A) all cargo ships above 10,000DWT or passenger
ships carrying more than 50 passenger.
B) regular ships, other requirements for special ships.
C) all ships using one steering gear power unit.
D) I don't know.

Assessment Tests
Question 2 of 3
The steering gear's maximum working torque is:
A The effective torque at the safety valve opening pressure
B) At least the torque necessary to turn the rudder to the
maximum required angle at the vessel's full speed according to
the class rules
C) The maximum torque to be created by the steering gear,
according to the makers experience
D) I don't know.

Assessment Tests
Question 3 of 3
According to the SOLAS rules the maximum rudder
angle to port and starboard should be at least:
A) 45 degrees
B) 35 degrees
C) 35 degrees, but 25 degrees only if special high efficient
ruder is installed
D) I don't know.