Exam Question
(a) Describe the regular maintenance routine of the steering gear of a ship (8)
(b) Describe with suitable diagram, how steering pump filters are cleaned (8)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MEP
📅 Mar 2023
Reference Answer
### (a) Regular Maintenance Routine of the Steering Gear
As a critical piece of machinery governed by SOLAS regulations, the steering gear requires a stringent and systematic maintenance routine executed through the ship's Planned Maintenance System (PMS). The routines are categorized based on frequency to ensure continuous reliability and safety.
**1. Daily Checks (During Watchkeeping)**
* **Hydraulic Oil Level:** Check the oil level in the service and replenishing tanks. Maintain the level at approximately 3/4 full to prevent air ingress which can lead to pump cavitation and erratic rudder movement.
As a critical piece of machinery governed by SOLAS regulations, the steering gear requires a stringent and systematic maintenance routine executed through the ship's Planned Maintenance System (PMS). The routines are categorized based on frequency to ensure continuous reliability and safety.
**1. Daily Checks (During Watchkeeping)**
* **Hydraulic Oil Level:** Check the oil level in the service and replenishing tanks. Maintain the level at approximately 3/4 full to prevent air ingress which can lead to pump cavitation and erratic rudder movement.
Full answer on MeoMock — surveyor-grade reference answers for 7,000+ written exam questions.
Prepare on Android — MeoMock on Google Play