Exam Question
With reference to rotary vane steering gears:
(a) Describe, with the aid of a sketch, how such a unit incorporates an integral rudder carrier. (10)
(b) Explain how vertical rudder movement is accommodated. (6)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MEKG
📅 Jul 2025
Reference Answer
### (a) Rotary Vane Steering Gear with Integral Rudder Carrier
A rotary vane steering gear with an integral rudder carrier is a design where the steering gear unit itself supports the entire weight of the rudder, rudder stock, and tiller, in addition to its primary function of actuating the rudder. This eliminates the need for a separate rudder carrier bearing, simplifying the arrangement in the steering flat.
**Construction and Operation:**
1. **Housing (Stator):** The fixed outer casing of the steering gear is known as the stator. It is robustly constructed and securely bolted to the ship's structure, specifically to a reinforced deck in the steering flat. The stator has a set of fixed internal vanes projecting radially inwards.
A rotary vane steering gear with an integral rudder carrier is a design where the steering gear unit itself supports the entire weight of the rudder, rudder stock, and tiller, in addition to its primary function of actuating the rudder. This eliminates the need for a separate rudder carrier bearing, simplifying the arrangement in the steering flat.
**Construction and Operation:**
1. **Housing (Stator):** The fixed outer casing of the steering gear is known as the stator. It is robustly constructed and securely bolted to the ship's structure, specifically to a reinforced deck in the steering flat. The stator has a set of fixed internal vanes projecting radially inwards.
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