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| Steering Systems | 169.618 – 169.623 | ||||||||||||||||
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33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; § 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.
CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, unless otherwise noted.
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Subscribe to: 46 CFR Part 169 Subpart 169.600 - Steering Systems
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(a) Each vessel must have an effective steering system.
(b) The steering system must be designed to withstand all anticipated loading while under sail, including shocks to the rudder. Additionally, the steering system on vessels with an auxiliary means of propulsion must not be susceptible to damage or jamming at the vessel's maximum astern speed.
(c) The main steering gear must be capable of moving the rudder from hard-over to hard-over at an average rate of not less than 21⁄3° per second with the vessel at design service speed (ahead).
(a) Except where the OCMI judges it impracticable, the steering system must—
(1) Provide continued or restored steering capability in the event of a failure or malfunction of any single steering system component other than the rudder or rudder stock;
(2) Be independent of other systems, including auxiliary propulsion machinery; and
(3) Be operable in the event of localized fire or flooding.
(b) A main and independent auxiliary steering gear must be provided, except when—
(1) A small vessel uses a tiller or direct mechanical linkage as the primary means of controlling the rudder; or
(2) Installation of an auxiliary steering gear is not possible.
A partial reduction of normal steering capability as a result of malfunction or failure is acceptable. This reduction should not be below that necessary for the safe navigation of the vessel.
(c) The strength and reliability of any component that is not provided in duplicate must be suitable to the cognizant OCMI. Where redundant or backup equipment or components are provided to meet the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the following must be provided:
(1) A means to readily transfer from the failed equipment or component to the backup.
(2) Readily available tools or equipment necessary to make the transfer.
(3) Instructions for transfer procedures, posted at the main steering location.
(4) A means to steady the rudder while making the transfer.
A reliable means of voice communications must be provided between the main steering location and each alternate steering location.
Each vessel must have a rudder angle indicator at the main steering location that meets the requirements of § 113.40-10 of this chapter, except where a tiller or direct mechanical linkage is the primary means of controlling the rudder.
(a) Power-driven steering systems must have means to be brought into operation from a dead ship condition, without external aid. The system must automatically resume operation after an electric power outage.
(b) Control of power-driven steering systems from the main steering control location must include, as applicable—
(1) Control of any necessary ancillary device (motor, pump, valve, etc.);
(2) A pilot light to indicate operation of each power unit; and
(3) Visual and audible alarms to indicate loss of power to the control system or power units and overload of electric motors.
(c) Overcurrent protection for steering system electric circuits must meet § 111.93-11 of this chapter, as applicable.