Test Navigation And Steering Gear Before Departure

TEST OF NAVIGATIONAL AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

All navigational and communications equipment essential to the safe operation of the vessel should be tested prior to sailing in accordance with the check lists provided and manufacturers’ recommendations.

The magnetic compass must be in satisfactory working condition whenever the vessel goes to sea. A current deviation card must be available.

All echo sounders must be tested and reading compared with hand lead sounding or charted depth.

The performance of the radar installation must be checked prior to sailing and at least once every four hours thereafter, whilst the ship is at sea and radar watch is being maintained. Inter switch facilities must be tested.

Read: Passage Plan

The vessel is equipped with two radar installations each of which is sufficient to comply with the regulations. If a set is faulty, it should be repaired as soon as possible by the maker's local representative. If both installations are out of order, the vessel may still proceed to sea provided that the following conditions are met:

1. Permission is granted by the Port Authority. 
2. Prompt maintenance is not available without delaying the ship. 
3. Visibility is good. 
4. There is no likelihood of bad visibility during the voyage. 
5. Arrangements have been made for the radars to be serviced as soon as practicable. 
6. The Master is satisfied that in the prevailing weather conditions, radar is not essential for the safe navigation of the vessel. 

Internal as well as external communication systems should be tested. This includes the emergency engine room telegraphs, talkbacks, internal telephones, and hand-powered telephones.

Read: Departure Bridge Check List

In addition to the steering gear tests, the auto pilot and remote steering functions must also be fully tested.

 TEST OF STEERING GEAR

The steering gear must be inspected and tested before vessel proceeds to sea. Testing should be carried out by the Duty Officer and Engineer.The engineer must report to the bridge on the condition of the steering gear. If everything is in order, the appropriate entries should be entered on the checklist. If anything is not in order, appropriate action should be taken and Master to be informed.

Once in operation, it is not necessary to fully test the steering gear before every standby unless:

• A problem is suspected. 
• Work has been carried out on the system