PSC deficiency code 02105: Steering gear

Code 02105 covers the steering gear and the arrangements around it: the power units, the hydraulic system, changeover between systems, emergency steering from the steering gear room and the drills that prove the crew can do it. Inspectors usually go down to the steering gear room and ask for a test.

What the inspector looks at

• both power units start and move the rudder, from the bridge and locally
• changeover procedure and block diagram posted in the steering gear room and on the bridge
• emergency steering: communication with the bridge, rudder angle indicator, compass or heading repeater readable from the emergency position
• hydraulic oil leaks, oil level, low level and power failure alarms on the bridge
• lighting in the steering gear room and the room kept clear and accessible
• pre-departure steering gear tests recorded in the logbook
• emergency steering drills recorded at the required interval

Common findings

• Emergency steering drill not carried out / not recorded
• Changeover procedure and block diagram not posted in steering gear room
• Communication between bridge and steering gear room not working
• Rudder angle indicator in steering gear room inoperative or reading differently from the bridge
• Hydraulic oil leaking from steering gear pump / ram seals
• Steering gear alarm on bridge not functioning
• Crew unable to demonstrate changeover to emergency steering

The rule behind it

SOLAS chapter II-1, regulation 29 sets the requirements for main and auxiliary steering gear, and regulation 30 adds requirements for electric and electrohydraulic steering gear. SOLAS chapter V, regulation 26 covers testing and drills: steering gear checks before departure, the changeover instructions and diagram, and regular emergency steering drills. Maintenance falls under the ISM Code and the planned maintenance system.

Action codes you are likely to see

Steering gear that doesn't work properly, a power unit that won't start, or emergency steering that can't be operated are typical grounds for detention (30). Missing drill records, a posted diagram that's absent, or a small leak with the system otherwise working are more often 17 or 16. A communication fault fixed during the visit can be written as 10. See action taken codes.

How to close it

Repair the defect and demonstrate the full test in front of the inspector: both systems, changeover and emergency steering with bridge communication. For a major repair, get the maker's engineer or a service company and keep their report; class attendance is normally needed where the steering gear's function was affected. Post the changeover procedure and diagram, carry out an emergency steering drill and record it. Keep reports, drill and test entries with the Form B.