EMERGENCY STEERING DRILL

Learning Objectives:

Know the Emergency Steering Drill

 (SP0292) - STEERING FAILURE
To provide guidance in the event of failure of the telemotor system or failure of the actual steering
mechanism (hydraulic pumps, motors, rams). This applies to all vessels.

RESPONSIBILITY
Master
Ensure safe navigation.
Ensure that all watchkeeping officers understand the emergency procedure to be followed
incase of a steering failure at sea.

Chief Engineer
Engage emergency steering and initiate fault finding and repair.
 TRAINING
Emergency Steering Drill (FM0070)
Program and Record for Shipboard Training and Drills (Statutory) (FM0067).
 NOTIFICATION

Notify Teekay management as per First Alert: Incident Notification for Personnel / Ship / Environment
(SP0268)

The bridge watchkeeping officer will:

If necessary, sound the general emergency alarm signal.
Inform the Master and implement emergency steering procedures.
Consider alerting authorities and ships in the vicinity by activating the digital selective
calling (DSC) alert (urgency signal).
 RESPONSE TO STEERING FAILURE

In the event of a steering failure:

Change over to manual steering and prepare for emergency steering as per Emergency Steering Drill
(FM0070).

As per regulations, sound or display the appropriate signals, considering traffic and visibility.

When in proximity of land, clear anchors and have them ready for use. If in confined waters, consider
carrying out emergency anchoring.

Consider reducing speed or stopping the main engine.

When normal steering is restored, cancel any previously broadcasted warnings.

(FM0070) Emergency Steering Drill
 33 CFR 164.25 - Tests before entering or getting underway.

(d) No vessel may enter, or be operated on the navigable waters of the United States unless the
emergency steering drill described below has been conducted within 48 hours prior to entry and logged
in the vessel logbook, unless the drill is conducted and logged on a regular basis at least once every
three months. This drill must include at a minimum the following:

(1) Operation of the main steering gear from within the steering gear compartment.
(2) Operation of the means of communications between the navigating bridge and the steering
compartment.
(3) Operation of the alternative power supply for the steering gear if the vessel is so equipped.
 REQUIREMENTS FOR VHF
SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea - Chapter III - Life-saving appliances and
arrangements - Part B - Requirements for ships and life-saving appliances - Section I - Passenger Ships and Cargo
Ships - Regulation 6 - Communications

At least 3 two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on every passenger ship and on every cargo
ship of 500 gross tonnage and upwards. At least 2 two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on
every cargo ship of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage. Such apparatus shall
conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. If a fixed two-way VHF
radiotelephone apparatus is fitted in a survival craft it shall conform to performance standards not inferior to
those adopted by Organization