We are all familiar with the use of a rudder, which helps in turning a ship as and when

required. Rudders are the principal system for the entire motion and control of the ships.
But we mustn’t forget that the entire rudder action is dependent on another pivotal
system called the Steering Gear.

Steering Gear integrated with the rudder system defines the complete ‘turning
mechanism’ mandatory for each and every ship irrespective of size, type and operation.

Steering gear system has been an indispensable part of the ship’s machinery since the
advent of the very early ships, which were operated by hand.

A Steering Gear is the equipment provided on ships to turn the

ship to left (Port side) or to right (Starboard side) while in motion
during sailing. The Steering Gear works only when the ship is in
motion and, does not work when the ship is stationary. All the
ships are to be provided with, an efficient main steering gear,
an auxiliary steering gear and, except for very small ships,
the main steering gear should be power operated.
Types of Steering Gears

Steering gear
The machinery, rudder actuators, steering gear power units and the means of applying torque to
the rudder stock necessary for eff ecting movements of the rudder. Two types of electrohydraulically-
powered steering gears are in common use: the ram and the rotary vane.

- Auxiliary steering gear – The equipment other than any part of the main steering gear necessary
to steer the ship in the event of failure of the main steering gear but not including the tiller, quadrant
or components serving the same purpose, (acc. to SOLAS).

- Main steering gear – The machinery, rudder actuators, steering gear power units, if any, and
ancillary equipment and the means of applying torque to the rudder stock (e.g. tiller or quadrant)
necessary for effecting movement of the rudder for the purpose of steering the ship under normal
service conditions, (acc. to SOLAS).

- Ram-type electrohydraulic steering gear – A ram-type electrohydraulic steering gear consists of

two or four hydraulic rams, connected by a link mechanism or a Rapson slide mechanism to the tiller
which turns the rudder. A link mechanism transfers the ram movement to the tiller and imparts
maximum torque at 35° of rudder movement. The Rapson slide mechanism consists of a block or a
sleeve, pivoted to the ram and guided by a crosshead, and arranged to slide on the tiller arm so that
the moment arm increases as the rudder angle increases. The rams are moved by hydraulic fluid
supplied under pressure by one or two pumps. Usually, two independent pumping units are
provided. They are connected so that either may be used to operate the gear, thus eliminating
the classification society rule requirement for auxiliary steering gear.

Note: In a passenger ship, under normal service conditions, one unit works. In a cargo ship both
units work.

- Rotary vane steering gear – The rotary vane system works by introducing pressure into
compartments formed between a stator fixed to the ship's structure and a rotor attached to
the rudder stock. There are two or three vanes on the rotor and an equal number on the stator to
form the compartments. When steering effort is required, the pressure is increased in the
appropriate compartments. The pressure reacts against the fixed vanes and pushes the rotor (and
the rudder stock) in the required direction.

To increase the available torque, the diameter oft the unit is enlarged, although it is generally smaller
than an equivalent ram type arrangement. Hydraulic pressures are also lower as the working area is
larger than the total of the rams on the ram-type gear. Another advantage is the degree of rudder
movement: that is up to 65° for Porsgrunn system, and up to 45° for Ulstein's Frydenbo. With ram
operated gear the maximum degree of rudder movement is limited by the stroke of the cylinders and
the scope of the slider mechanism. One potential disadvantage of the rotary vane system is that if is
a fault inside the unit, all steering can be lost and specialist repair is needed. With ram type gear for
larger vessels there are four single-acting cylinders so if one ram fails then the steering is not totally
disabled. The working parts are also accessible in the event of a necessary repair and the rams are
relatively simple to replace if a spare is carried.

Main steering gear requirementas per SOLAS :

1. Rudder stock shall be of adequate strength and capable of steering the ship at maximum
ahead speed.

2. Capable of putting rudder over from 35° one side to 35° other side at its deepest draft and
maximum ahead service speed and 35° on either side to 30° on other side in 28 seconds.

3. Operated by power and designed so as not to incur damage at maximum astern speed.

Auxiliary steering gear requirement as per SOLAS:

1. Capable of putting the rudder 15° one side to 15° the other side in 60 seconds, when vessel at
deepest draft and running ahead at ½ maximum ahead service speed or 7 knots whichever is
greater.

2. Adequate strength and capable of steering at a navigable speed.

3. Steering gear control from Navigation Bridge and locally.

4. Auxiliary steering gear controls from locally and if power operated also operable from
Navigation Bridge.

5. Steering capability to be regained in not more than 45 seconds after the loss of one power
system.
Tests and drills of steering gear as per SOLAS

 Test is within 12 hours of departure.

 Emergency steering drills once every 3 months

As per SOLAS, Regulation 29

1. 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, The main steering gear shall comprise
two or more identical power units Complying with the provisions.

2. Every tanker, chemical tanker or gas carrier of 10,000 gross tonnage and up words shall,
subject to para. 17, comply with the following,

 The main steering gear shall be so arranged that in the event of Loss of steering
capability due to a single failure in any part of one Of the power actuating systems of
the main steering gear, Excluding the tiller, quadrant or components serving the same
Purpose, or seizure of the rudder actuators, steering capability Shall be regained in not
more than 45 seconds after the loss of one Power actuating system;

The main steering gear shall comprise either:

 Two independent and separate power actuating systems, each Capable of meeting the
requirements , or

 At least two identical power actuating systems which, acting Simultaneously in normal
operation, shall be capable of meeting The requirements ,Where necessary to comply With
this requirement, interconnection of hydraulic power Actuating systems shall be provided.

 Loss of hydraulic fluid from One system shall be capable of being detected and the defective
System automatically isolated so that the other actuating system Or systems shall remain
partially operational, Steering gears other than of the hydraulic type shall achieve Equivalent
standards.