1

(a) As Senior Engineer, describe the special requirements of steering gear for
tanker of 10,000 GT and upwards and in every other ship of 70,000 gross
tonnage and upwards?
(b) Sketch the steering system to fulfill the above requirement.
(c) Explain the operation of above steering system? (4-6-6M)

(a)
In every tanker, chemical tanker or gas carrier of 10,000 gross tonnage and upwards
and in every other ship of 70,000 gross tonnage and upwards,

1. The main steering gear shall comprise two or more identical power units.

2. Steering capability shall be regained in not more than 45 sec after the loss of one
power actuating system, single failure.

3. Loss of hydraulic fluid from one system shall be capable of being detected and

 the defective system automatically isolated.

 other actuating system shall remain fully operational.

4. To be provided failure alarm of any steering power unit.

5. Steering power units shall be brought into operation automatically or manual from
Navigation Bridge.
(b) Automatic
ic Fail Safe System (Safematic system
s )
(c)
Two systems are joined by isolating and by-pass valve, solenoid operated directional
control valve.

In case of pipe burst or oil leaking defect,

 1st Oil Level Float Switch (S1) activates solenoid operated directional control valve,
so one pump will be switched off with its system isolated while other pump and its
system running.

 Detect, isolate and switch off the defective system automatically within a few
seconds.

 If the switch-off system is incorrect and leaking continues, Float switch (S2)
activates, thus change over to correct pump with its hydraulic system automatically.

 The ship's steering capability is restored within 45 seconds.

 Audible and visual alarms are also actuated at Bridge and Engine Control Room.