Technical notes of interest to Marine Engineers

Steering Gear and Control Tests
Steering Gear checklist (presail)

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• Switch alarm system for steering gear to inhibit ship's alarm.
• Ensure Port & Stbd. Steering gear compartments are secure for sea. Port & Stbd.
• Check oil level in all four service tank
• Take note and investigate any oil leakage from previous operations. Repair if time permits, if not log in defect log for repair during quiet hours.
• Switch servo control from "remote" to "local".
• Start one pump at a time observing pump pressures, look for any oil leaks and check for noise or abnormalities.
• Test the jog steering control (hard over to hard over) and compare Rudder angle indicator against the quadrant on the rotary vane unit.
• Port Stbd.
• Test the servo control push buttons to ensure correct operation. Port Stbd.
• Contact the wheelhouse, have wheelhouse test and time all methods of steering (wheel, port lever, stbd. lever, and non-follow up steering, hard overs).
• Ensure that unit responds to all commands.
• Note any discrepancies between wheelhouse rudder angle indicator and the quadrant on the vane units. Small discrepancies should be noted for attention during the quiet periods.
• Check gyro repeater for accuracy.
• During summer months ensure vent pipes are open and one ventilation fan is running.
• Ensure watertight door to steering flats is closed.
• Switch alarm system for steering gear to alarm position (control room alarm).

This checklist was developed for the CCGS Gordon Reid. A 50 meter SAR boat with twin rudders