Exam Question
8.
i) Sketch and describe hydraulic circuit of steering gear incorporating automatic isolation system.(8)
Explain 'emergency steering(4)
iii)Describe the routine tests of steering gear as per SOLAS requirement.
(4)
ETO
ETO Exam papers
📅 Mar 2026
Reference Answer
### i) Hydraulic Circuit of Steering Gear with Automatic Isolation System
**Concept and Principle**
The four-ram electro-hydraulic steering gear is a common arrangement designed for redundancy and reliability, as mandated by SOLAS for larger vessels. The system uses two independent power units to actuate four hydraulic rams arranged in pairs. The primary safety feature is the automatic isolation system, which, in the event of a hydraulic leak in one half of the system, automatically seals off the damaged part, allowing the vessel to maintain steering control with the remaining healthy half.
**Components of the Hydraulic Circuit**
**Concept and Principle**
The four-ram electro-hydraulic steering gear is a common arrangement designed for redundancy and reliability, as mandated by SOLAS for larger vessels. The system uses two independent power units to actuate four hydraulic rams arranged in pairs. The primary safety feature is the automatic isolation system, which, in the event of a hydraulic leak in one half of the system, automatically seals off the damaged part, allowing the vessel to maintain steering control with the remaining healthy half.
**Components of the Hydraulic Circuit**
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