## Role of a Chief Engineer to Keep Steering Gear Healthy
.steering gear healthy .healthy .healthy steering gear
### 1. Service & Maintenance Schedule
– Follow the comprehensive service & maintenance schedule for the ship’s steering gear system as per SMS & maker’s instruction.
– Schedule should include:
– Regular **inspection**
– **Lubrication**
– **Testing & calibration** (ILTC)
– Adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines & recommendations for maintenance intervals & procedures.
– Guide 2/E to check rudder drop regularly using a trammel gauge.
### 2. Visual Inspection
– Inspect the steering gear system daily for:
– **Corrosion**
– **Leaks or damage** (CLD)
– Check the condition of:
– Hydraulic lines
– Cylinders
– Control valves
– Mechanical linkage
– Look for any loose or worn-out parts.
– Take immediate action if any leak is noticed.
### 3. Calibration
– Verify the calibration of:
– Rudder angle indicator
– Position sensor
– Feedback system
– Control panel
– Adjust parameters if necessary.
### 4. Safety Devices/Electrical
– Inspect & test safety devices including:
– Limit switches
– Pressure relief valves
– Emergency stop button
– Alarm system
– Ensure all devices function properly and are connected to the control system.
### 5. Regular Testing & Drills
– Regularly test emergency steering, including:
– Power supply
– Control system
– Mechanical linkage
– Conduct emergency steering drills as per SMS, at least once every 3 months.
– Test steering gear in different load conditions & verify response time, rudder angle feedback accuracy.
– Document all test results for record keeping.
### 6. Lubrication
– Ensure proper lubrication to prevent excessive wear.
– Follow maker’s recommendations for type, grade & frequency of lubrication.
– Lubricate bearings, linkage, hydraulic cylinder rods.
– Ensure sufficient lubricant is available onboard.
### 7. Hydraulic System Maintenance
– Regularly inspect & maintain hydraulic:
– Filters
– Accumulators (FA VP)
– Valves (V/V)
– Pumps (P/P)
– Check for leaks, pressure drop, abnormal noise.
– Monitor hydraulic oil level & quality.
– Conduct lab tests of hydraulic oil onshore as per SMS & maker’s guide.
### 8. Control System Calibration
– Calibrate the control system periodically to ensure accurate response & control.
### 9. Critical Spares
– Ensure critical & necessary spares are available onboard, such as motors, couplings, O-rings, etc.
Citations:
[1] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1725385777/user_uploads/guusewxay/healthy-steering-gear-1.jpg
[2] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1725385777/user_uploads/ohhybwavr/healthy-steering-gear-3.jpg
[3] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1725385776/user_uploads/hgghssdbg/healthy-steering-gear-2.jpg
[4] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1725385776/user_uploads/byvrfyznt/healthy-steering-gear-4.jpg