Drill bits: Steering failure

There may be a temptation to rush it through, perhaps performing a quick test then signing it off. But understanding the emergency steering system and knowing its correct use could prove critical. It relies not only on good knowledge of the system, but on teamwork and communications.

We look at the ‘drill bits’ that when brought together allows you to perform more effective and realistic drills, where everyone has a better appreciation of each other’s roles and responsibilities.

Preparation

As always, complete a full risk assessment beforehand to make sure it is safe to conduct the drill.

The risk assessment should include aspects such as weather conditions, identifying an appropriate speed and whether the vessel is in open waters with a suitably low level of traffic in the vicinity.

Confirm the operational status of all related equipment and that maintenance is up to date.

Engines may require to be put on standby and ready for maneuvering.

Split the crew into two teams: one team will locate to the bridge and the other to the steering gear flat/compartment. The two teams should rotate once they have completed their first session to ensure everyone gets an appreciation of the tasks in each location.

There should of course be a responsible officer running each aspect of the drill and each team should have at least one qualified helmsman.

Remember, the steering flat can be noisy so make sure ear protection is available. Due to the noise it may be better to conduct some of the instruction from outside the steering flat.

Steering Gear Team

• Location: Steering Flat
• Group Leader: Chief Engineer

Learning Points

• Explain the steering gear and the emergency steering arrangements: what type it is, its main components, main and emergency power/energy sources, local and remote steering controls, telemotor and how it works in both normal and emergency operation.
• Locate and discuss the posted instructions on how to engage the emergency steering.
• Locate the emergency steering position for the helmsman.
• Locate and explain all the emergency communications arrangements between the bridge and steering flat.
• Establish communications with the bridge – thoroughly test all means of communications.
• Locate and explain the compass/gyro repeater that will be used during steering from the helm position.
• Check the condition of the gyro repeater – is the liquid clear and free from bubbles and debris? Is the card freely moving?
• Demonstrate the procedure for checking the gyro repeaters are aligned with the bridge repeaters and master gyros – ensure that there are no significant deviations.
• Inform the bridge team you are ready to test the emergency steering and await their instructions before changing over.
• The Chief Engineer should demonstrate how to safely change over to emergency steering mode.
• Test the emergency steering, communicating with the bridge to perform steering orders. Demonstrate any alternative power sources and, if applicable, different control methods and positions (e.g. push-buttons on individual power units, local wheel etc.).
• Record the time taken to swing the steering gear from hard over to hard over to ensure compliance with SOLAS performance requirements. At maximum ahead service speed, the rudder must be capable of putting the rudder over from 35° on one side to 35° on the other side and from 35° on either side to 30° on the other side in not more than28 seconds. The auxiliary/emergency steering gear must be capable of putting the rudder over from 15° on one side to 15° on the other side in not more than 60 seconds at one half of the maximum ahead service speed or 7 knots, whichever is the greater.
• During testing, check that the system is operating properly, free from leaks and abnormal noises, and that the rudder angle indicators are all aligned.
• Allow each person in the team to take over the steering duties and follow the helm instructions given by the bridge team.
• Explain and test any steering gear failure alarms.
• When movements are complete, inform the bridge team that you wish to switch back to normal steering – change when both parties ready.
• Ask if there are any questions!

Bridge Team

• Location: Bridge
• Group Leader: Master

Learning Points:

• Following your risk assessment, ensure it is safe to carry out the steering drill and check for navigational hazards.
• Locate and discuss the contingency plan and posted procedures for emergency steering.
• Explain the importance of keeping accurate records of real events and drills.
• Demonstrate how to confirm the heading on all gyro repeaters.
• Establish lookouts and explain their role and how to report to the OOW/Master.
• Establish and test communications with the steering gear flat.
• Confirm the gyro heading with the steering flat.
• Follow the steering gear team’s requirements to enable a smooth change to emergency steering.
• Once switched to emergency steering, the Master should demonstrate how to give helm orders and show the team where the rudder angle indicators are.
• Allow the team members to give helm orders to the steering gear team.

Power Drill!

The elements and learnings of each aspect of the emergency steering drill as discussed above can then be brought together to perform a realistic drill. This brings the drill bits together to make a power drill!

Now that everyone has an appreciation of each individual’s role, the emergency steering power drill can be staged in a more realistic setting in the future. The drill can be initiated by the activation of an emergency signal, whereupon everyone locates to their designated point and carries out their specific emergency duties.

A switch to emergency steering in a real situation requires swift action by crew who are knowledgeable and confident in the equipment and procedures. This can only happen if people are well-drilled.

Debrief

The debrief is one of the most important elements of any shipboard task, and drills are no exception. This should be where we highlight lessons learned and how we can improve. Remember, next time could be for real!

Don’t forget to highlight what went well and give praise where it’s due. Take a record of what was discussed in the debrief, and, if required, send suggestions to the company on how you feel improvements could be made.

Remember to update your planned maintenance system with the test of the emergency steering, even if it is not due it can be unscheduled maintenance.

Find out more

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