Steering gear

(1) Every ship shall be provided with a main steering gear. (2) Subject to the provisions of subregulation (5), every ship shall be provided with an auxiliary means of steering the ship in the event of failure of the main steering gear (3) The main steering gear shall be of adequate strength and sufficient to steer the ship at the maximum ahead service speed. The main steering gear and rudder stock shall be so designed that they are not damaged at maximum astern speed (4) The auxiliary means of steering shall be of adequate strength and sufficient to steer the ship at navigable speed and capable of being brought speedily into action in an emergency. (5) Where power-operated main steering gear units and connections are fitted in duplicate, and each unit complies with the provisions of subregulation (4), no auxiliary steering gear need be required, provided that the duplicate units and connections operating together comply with the requirements of subregulation (3). (6) The main steering power unit shall be arranged to re-start either by manual or automatic means when electrical power supply is restored after failure. (7) In the event of failure of electrical power supply to main steering gear control or power unit, an alarm shall be given in the navigation bridge. Merchant Ships (Registration) 160 (8) The position of the rudder, if power operated, shall be indicated at the navigation bridge. The rudder angle indicator shall be independent of the steering gear control system. (9) Where a non-conventional rudder is installed, the Administration shall give special consideration to the steering system, so as to ensure that an acceptable degree of reliability and effectiveness which is based on the provisions of this section is provided.