Exam Question
State some built in measures by which the steering gear mechanism can be kept operational, in the event of breakages, pipe failures, motor burn out etc. (16)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MEP
📅 May 2024
Reference Answer
The reliable operation of a ship's steering gear is paramount for navigational safety and is stringently governed by international regulations, primarily the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter II-1, Regulation 29. To ensure operational continuity even in the event of various failures such as breakages, pipe failures, or motor burnout, several built-in measures and redundancies are mandated and incorporated into modern steering gear systems. These measures are designed to provide alternative means of steering and maintain the vessel's maneuverability under adverse conditions.
### 1. Redundancy in Power Units (Addressing Motor Burnout/Pump Failure)
SOLAS requires the main steering gear to have at least two independent power actuating systems. This addresses the risk of motor burnout or pump failure:
* **Multiple Electric Motors and Hydraulic Pumps:** Typically, a vessel's main steering gear will consist of two or more identical electro-hydraulic power units. Each unit comprises an electric motor driving a variable delivery axial piston pump.
### 1. Redundancy in Power Units (Addressing Motor Burnout/Pump Failure)
SOLAS requires the main steering gear to have at least two independent power actuating systems. This addresses the risk of motor burnout or pump failure:
* **Multiple Electric Motors and Hydraulic Pumps:** Typically, a vessel's main steering gear will consist of two or more identical electro-hydraulic power units. Each unit comprises an electric motor driving a variable delivery axial piston pump.
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