Section 5 Testing and trials

5.1.1 The requirements of the Rules relating to the testing of Class I pressure vessels, piping, and related fittings including hydraulic testing, apply.

5.1.2 After installation on board the vessel the steering gear is to be subjected to the required hydrostatic and running tests.

5.1.3 Each type of power unit pump is to be subjected to a type test. The type tests may be waived for a power unit which has been proven to be reliable in marine service.

5.2.1 The steering gear is to be tried out on the trial trip in order to demonstrate to the Surveyor's satisfaction that the requirements of the Rules have been met. The trial is to include the operation of the following:

1. The steering gear, including demonstration of the performances required by Pt 5, Ch 15, 2.1 General 2.1.2.(d) andPt 5, Ch 15, 2.1 General 2.1.2.(e) and Pt 5, Ch 15, 2.1 General 2.1.3.(d) and Pt 5, Ch 15, 2.1 General 2.1.3.(e):

   • For the main steering gear trial, the propeller pitch of controllable pitch propellers is to be at the maximum design pitch approved for the maximum continuous ahead RPM;
   • During navigation tests ships other than passenger ships shall be loaded to at least 70 per cent of their tonnage and loading, Passenger ships are to be tested at their deepest draught. If a ship cannot be tested under the above stipulations alternative trial conditions may be specially considered. In this case, for the main steering gear trial, the speed of the ship corresponding to the maximum continuous revolutions of the main engine should apply.

2. The steering gear power units, including transfer between steering gear power units;

3. The isolation of one power actuating system, checking the time for regaining steering capability;

4. The operation of the auxiliary steering gear as required byPt 5, Ch 15, 2.1 General 2.1.3.(c);

5. The steering gear controls, including transfer of control and local control;

6. The alarms and indicators;

7. Where the steering gear is designed to avoid hydraulic locking, this feature shall be demonstrated.

   Test items Pt 5, Ch 15, 5.2 Trials 5.2.1.(f) and Pt 5, Ch 15, 5.2 Trials 5.2.1.(g) may be effected at the dockside.

5.2.2 The ability of the machinery to reverse the direction of propeller thrust in sufficient time and bring the ship to rest within a reasonable distance from maximum ahead service speed is to be demonstrated and recorded.