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.