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 350 on one side to 300 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 20m (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.
10 Auxiliary Means of Steering
10.1 Except as provided in IV/10.3, a vessel shall be provided with an auxiliary means of steering that is—
.1 of adequate strength;
.2 capable of moving the rudder from 150 on one side to 150 on the other side in not more than 60 seconds with the vessel at one-half its maximum service speed ahead, or 7 knots, whichever is greater; and
.3 controlled from a location that permits safe manoeuvring of the vessel and does not expose the person operating the auxiliary means of steering to personnel hazards during normal or heavy weather operation.
10.2 A suitable hand tiller may be used as the auxiliary means of steering.
10.3 An auxiliary means of steering need not be provided where—
.1 the main steering gear and its controls are provided in duplicate;
.2 multiple propeller propulsion, with independent control from the operating position for each screw, is provided, and the vessel is capable of being steered from the control station;
.3 no regular rudder is fitted and steering action is obtained by a change of setting of the propelling unit; or
.4 where a rudder and hand tiller are the main steering gear.
11 Propeller Systems
Construction and fitting standards for propellers and associated fittings shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. Recognised design standards shall be used.