This refers to the measurements taken generally during a docking period to indicate excessive

wear in the steering gear system particularly the rudder carrier. The significance of this is that for
ram systems excessive wear can lead to bending moments on the rams. For rotary vane systems
it can lead to vane edge loading. The readings taken are offered for recording by the
classification society.

Trammel
This takes the form of an 'L' shape bar of suitable construction. When the vessel is built a distinct
centrepunch mark is placed onto the ruder stock and onto a suitable location on the vessels
structure, here given as a girder which is typical. The trammel is manufactured to suit these
marks As the carrier wears the upper pointer will fall below the centrepunch mark by an amount
equal to the wear down.

Rudder Clearance
Pads are welded to the hull and rudder. A clearance is given ( sometimes referred to as the
jumping clearance). As the carrier wears this clearance will increase
Steering gear Clearance
Direct measurement can be taken from the steering gear assembly. Shown below is one example,
here the clearance will be seen to reduce as the carrier wears and impact his has on the system
can be directly judged