Class 4 (4th Engineer) SSEP 📅 Apr 2023

Exam Question

With reference to the 1978 SOLAS protocol 1988 which outlines mandatory requirements for steering gear tests and drills:

(a) Describe the test procedure to be carried out within 12 hours before departure on a sea-voyage; (10)

(b) Describe the emergency steering drills that must take place at least once in 3 months; (5)

(c) State how often the test in (a) and the drill in (b) should be carried out for ships which regularly engage on voyages of short duration (5)

Reference Answer

### (a) Steering Gear Test Procedure (Within 12 Hours Before Departure)
As per SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 26, the following checks and tests on the ship's steering gear must be carried out by the ship's crew within 12 hours prior to departure. The procedure is a comprehensive verification of the system's operational readiness and integrity.
**1. Operational Tests of Systems and Positions:**
* **Main Steering Gear:** Operation of the main steering gear is checked from the navigation bridge. The rudder is moved through its full arc of travel.

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