Within 12 hrs before departure, the ship's steering gear shall be checked and tested by the ship's crew. The test procedure shall include, where applicable, the operation of the following:
1.The main steering gear
2. The auxiliary steering gear
3. The remote control systems of steering gear
The steering position indicator on the navigation bridg
The emergency power supply to one of the steering unit
The rudder angle indicators showing actual position of the rudder
Power failure alarms for the remote steering gear control system
Power unit failure alarms for the steering gear unit
Automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment
Following listed procedure must be included along with the check and tests described above:
1. The full movement of the rudder as per the required capabilities of the steering gear system present onboard
2. A visual inspection of all the linkages and connection in the steering gear
3. The means of communication between the steering gear room and navigational bridge must always be operational