General requirements to steering gear are not taken into consideration in this chapter but explained later and only requirements to the navigation workstation are mentioned in this chapter.

However, it is worth mentioning that M/S MERSol is outfitted with two rudders and can operate with only one of them. Both rudders are equipped with both main and emergency steering. In total, there are 4 steering pumps, two of which are connected to the main switchboard, the other two are fed from the emergency switchboard.

PT 7, Ch 9, Section 3.1.4 states that steering controls and indication measures are to be provided at the navigation workstation. The requirements to these systems can be found in PT 5, Ch 19, 5 Electric power circuits, electric control circuits, monitoring and alarms. The chapter states the different alarms that should be connected to the steering gear, and that these alarms should be connected to the bridge alarm panel. The alarm panel on the bridge of M/S MERSol shows a common alarm whenever an issue occurs to either port or starboard steering gear. PT 5, Ch 19, 5.1.5 states that indicators for running indication of each main and auxiliary motor are to be installed on the navigation bridge and at a suitable main machinery control position. To meet these requirements, M/S MERSol’s bridge is outfitted with several steering control and indication places. All four of the steering pumps can be switched on/off from the main steering panel at the center console. As both rudders can be operated separately, independent/simultaneous steering can be done from all steering positions, from the main steering panel, PS wing, and SB wing. There are multiple rudder angle indicators (RAI) situated on the bridge. The main steering panel, PS & SB wings all have their own RAI. Additionally, there is a multifaced RAI mounted on the ceiling above the main control station.

Last modified: Saturday, 18 March 2023, 5:14 AM