[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 7]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR182.610]

[Page 285]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 182_MACHINERY INSTALLATION--Table of Contents
 
                       Subpart F_Steering Systems
 
Sec. 182.610  Main steering gear.

    (a) A vessel must be provided with a main steering gear that is:
    (1) Of adequate strength and capable of steering the vessel at all 
service speeds;
    (2) Designed to operate at maximum astern speed without being 
damaged or jammed; and
    (3) Capable of moving the rudder from 35 degrees on one side to 30 
degrees on the other side in not more than 28 seconds with the vessel 
moving ahead at maximum service speed.
    (b) Control of the main steering gear, including control of any 
necessary associated devices (motor, pump, valve, etc.), must be 
provided from the operating station.
    (c) The main steering gear must be designed so that transfer from 
the main steering gear or control to the auxiliary means of steering 
required by Sec. 182.620 can be achieved rapidly. Any tools or 
equipment necessary to make the transfer must be readily available.
    (d) The operating station must be arranged to permit the person 
steering to have the best possible all around vision.
    (e) Strong and effective rudder stops must be provided to prevent 
jamming and damage to the rudder and its fittings. These stops may be 
structural or internal to the main steering gear.
    (f) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a) 
through (e) of this section, a vessel with a power driven main steering 
gear must be provided with the following:
    (1) A disconnect switch located in the steering compartment, and 
instantaneous short circuit protection for electrical power and control 
circuits sized and located in accordance with Sec. 58.25-55(d) of this 
chapter. Overload protection is prohibited;
    (2) An independent rudder angle indicator at the operating station;
    (3) An arrangement that automatically resumes operation, without 
reset, when power is restored after a power failure;
    (4) A manual means to center and steady the rudder(s) in an 
emergency; and
    (5) A limit switch to stop the steering gear before its reaches the 
rudder stops required by paragraph (e) of this section.
    (g) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a) 
through (f) of this section, a vessel more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in 
length with a power driven main steering gear must be provided with the 
following:
    (1) A visual means, located at the operating station, to indicate 
operation of the power units; and
    (2) Instructions for transfer procedures from the main steering gear 
or control to the auxiliary means of steering required by Sec. 182.620, 
posted at the location where the transfer is carried out.

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 986, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51358, Sept. 
30, 1997]