Steering Gear

## 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