Exam Question
Sketch and describe a "fail safe steering gear" suitable for use on a tanker of more than 100,000 T dwt; Explain the sequence of events that take place when an oil leak takes place in one of the hydraulic pipe lines. (16)
Class 2 (2nd Engineer)
MEKG
📅 Dec 2023
Reference Answer
### **1. Introduction and Regulatory Framework**
For a tanker of more than 100,000 T dwt, the steering gear must comply with the stringent requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulations 29 and 30. These regulations mandate a high degree of reliability and redundancy. A "fail-safe" system in this context is one that can withstand a single failure, such as a hydraulic line rupture or power unit failure, without a total loss of steering. The system must automatically isolate the failed component and restore steering control within 45 seconds.
The most suitable and commonly installed system for such a vessel is the **four-ram electro-hydraulic steering gear** of the Rapson-Slide type.
### **2. Description of a Four-Ram Steering Gear**
For a tanker of more than 100,000 T dwt, the steering gear must comply with the stringent requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulations 29 and 30. These regulations mandate a high degree of reliability and redundancy. A "fail-safe" system in this context is one that can withstand a single failure, such as a hydraulic line rupture or power unit failure, without a total loss of steering. The system must automatically isolate the failed component and restore steering control within 45 seconds.
The most suitable and commonly installed system for such a vessel is the **four-ram electro-hydraulic steering gear** of the Rapson-Slide type.
### **2. Description of a Four-Ram Steering Gear**
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