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
📅 Jan 2025
Reference Answer
The steering gear mechanism is a critical piece of equipment for the safe navigation and operation of a vessel. Consequently, international regulations, primarily the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), mandate significant redundancy and built-in measures to ensure its operational continuity even in the event of component failures such as pipe failures, motor burn-out, or other breakages. As a Senior MEO Class 1 Examiner, a comprehensive understanding of these measures is essential.
### 1. Regulatory Framework (SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 29)
These measures are largely driven by SOLAS requirements, which stipulate:
* **Main Steering Gear Performance**: Must be capable of putting the rudder from 35 degrees on one side to 35 degrees on the other side when the ship is at its deepest sea-going draught and proceeding ahead at maximum service speed, within 28 seconds.
### 1. Regulatory Framework (SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 29)
These measures are largely driven by SOLAS requirements, which stipulate:
* **Main Steering Gear Performance**: Must be capable of putting the rudder from 35 degrees on one side to 35 degrees on the other side when the ship is at its deepest sea-going draught and proceeding ahead at maximum service speed, within 28 seconds.
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