.steering gear failure .steering failure .failure
Steering Gear Failure on Ships Common Causes
- Oil leakages due to worn seals or gaskets
- Mismatched rudder angles from improper control mechanism adjustments
- Failure of transmission systems between bridge and steering gear
- Breakdown of electrical or hydraulic power supply systems
- Aft-end vibrations loosening control system components over time
- Inefficient maintenance leading to system deterioration
Indications of Failure
- Off-course alarm rings when on auto-steering
- Ship begins to drift and rudder indicator not moving when on manual steering
- No response from rudder despite manual inputs
Immediate Actions
- Inform the master and engine room immediately
- Disengage autopilot and switch to manual steering
- Reduce speed to minimum steerage way
- Investigate for navigational hazards
- Raise general alarm.
- Exhibit “Not Under Command” shapes/lights
- Broadcast urgency message to nearby vessels
- Prepare engines for maneuvering
- Ready anchor if in suitable water depth
Emergency Procedures
- Switch to secondary steering system (if available)
- Check both steering pumps are operational
- Try Non-Follow Up (NFU) steering mode
- Engage emergency steering from steering gear compartment if bridge control fails
- Use bow thrusters or stern lines for steering if rudder inoperable
- Consider requesting tug assistance if near shore
Preventive Measures
- Conduct regular maintenance and inspections
- Perform steering gear tests before departure
- Train crew on emergency procedures through drills
- Install redundant steering control systems
- Implement condition monitoring systems
- Reduce vibrations through improved design
Erratic condition of Steering Gear
.sger .sgeo .sgec .erratic
– is define as not even or irregular pattern in movement.
- Air in the hydraulic system could be one of several causes.
- Air being compressible gives incorrect balance between units, time lags and irregular operations that leads to erratic rudder response.
Erratic operation
- Loose linkages
- Solenoid valve block not working
- Telemotor pump faulty
- Electrical contact face problem