Documented procedures under Emergency preparedness-Steering Failure

Steering Failure

This is a situation which endangers the maneuverability of the vessel, which can be a dangerous situation during maneuvering, river passage, shallow water passage, restricted and heavy traffic zones and bad weathers. This situation is best tackled by proper emergency preparedness and response through proper training and drills. Again, communication with the bridge is very important.

 Immediate Action 

DUTIES:

Master:

Communication and coordination of response. 

Officer on watch:

Initial response to alarm or failure:

ATTEMPT to regain steering. This may involve:

START a second steering motor

STOP the steering motor in alarm

CALL / INFORM  Master, Duty Eng., Helmsman for further action. 

ASSESS  immediate dangers i. e. Risk of Collision or Grounding etc. 

ADVISE Watchman as required, hoisting NUC signals, lookout etc.

ADVISE vessels in vicinity. Get anchors stby as required. 

SEND Helmsman to Steering Gear Room and establish communication.

Upon request from Duty Eng: 

If emergency steering has been prepared: 

ADVISE Helmsman to steer course or give helm orders.

RECORD all relevant details.

Duty Engineer:

MOBILISE and INFORM all engineers.

ADVISE Backup Duty Engineer to attend Engine Control Room. 

PROCEED to Steering Gear Room for initial technical response and eventual preparation of emergency steering. 

SELECT steering Gear to be used. (this may depend upon nature and location of fault or any automatic isolation)

SWITCH all Rudder Servo Units to LOCAL

SELECT one Janney Pump on this Steering Gear and 

START associated El. Motor

ASSIST with emergency steering accordingly Bridge / Helmsman‘s request. 

Chief Engineer:

PROCEED to Steering Gear Room for the initial technical responsense and assessment of repair options. 

REPORT to Master. 

ORGANISE repairs. 

ADVISE Backup Duty Eng. to mobilise personnel as required.

Backup Duty Engineer ( next in row ):

ATTEND Engine Control Room and provide Engine Room Services as required. MOBILISE Personnel as advised by C/E.

RECORD all relevant details.

Helmsman:

PROCEED to Bridge and be prepared to be sent to Steering Gear Room for Emergency Steering. In Steering Gear Room: 

ESTABLISH permanent communication with Bridge. 

STEER course or FOLLOW helm orders via torque motor/servo controller control levers.

OBSERVE gyro to steer a given course.

OBSERVE steering gear for rudder position.

ADVISE Duty Engineer to assist operation of  Emergency Steering Gear as per Bridge command.

All remaining Personnel:

ASSIST as required.

Main Purpose is to proceed with Vessel safe to the location where permanent repairs can be carried out to recover remote steering control.