What is Steering System on Ships in details ?

Steering system is a system which controls the operation of ships rudder through its components.

The rudder is controlled either

• Through human intervention
• Or through the use of Auto-Pilot.

Regardless whether it is human intervention or the auto-pilot, the aim is to ensure that the ship proceeds along a desired course at sea with minimum deviation.

A Block Diagram of a Generic Steering System

For Avoiding Steering Breakdown and Quick Action Remedial Action in case of a breakdown Following Procedures, Methods and Modes are adopted.

Procedures

• Normal From bridge or bridge wings in either manual or auto method. ((Through the control unit).
• Emergency From the Steering Gear Compartment (Direct manipulation of steering motor)

METHODS OF STEERING

• Manual Primary mode is Follow up (using the wheel and secondary mode is the Non-Follow Up using a lever or a buttons.
• Automatic (Called Auto-Pilot) Uses only the follow up mode. No human intervention.

MODES OF STEERING

• Follow Up
• Non-Follow Up