NSCC SEAMAN MODULE TWO

SHIP’S STEERING AND SPEEDCONTROL EQUIPMENT

By ENS MATTHEW LANDRY, NSCCUSS JOSEPH P KENNEDY, JR (DD 850) DIVISION

FOR USE WITH CHAPTER 2, PAGES 2-5 TO 2-10 OF NAVEDTRA 14067

U. S. Naval Sea Cadet CorpsCOMPASS :: http://compass.seacadets.org/

Enabling Objectives

• Identify and explain the operation and usage of the ship’s steering and control equipment

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Steering Engines• Two types of steering engines

– Electromechanical (found on small ships, requires great maintenance)

– Electrohydraulical (found on most current ships)

Example: Single-ram electrohydraulical steering gear system

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How the Steering Engine Works

• Helm sends an electric signal to the receiving unit• Mechanical signal sent to the running pump• The running pump pumps oil (hydraulic fluid) into

the port/starboard cylinder• Ram forces the rudder to move in proper direction

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Emergency/Safety Steering Gear

• Electrohydraulic gear is provided with standby pumping unit

• Trick wheel (turn by hand)– Very slow– Rudder only turns small amount for each revolution of the

wheel

• Rudder limits– Can only be turned 35° to either side of center– “FULL RUDDER” is only 30°– Extra 5 is used in emergencies– Never put the rudder hard over unless ordered – it can

cause the rudder to jam against the stops!

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Rudder Angle Indicator

• Shows actual position of the rudder

• Directs emergency after steering during emergency– Use control knob to send

orders to aft steering– Push button rings a bell to

notify after steering of course change

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Engine Order Telegraph (EOT)

• Communicates speed orders to the engine room

• Ship with one engine has an EOT with one handle

• Ship with two engines has an EOT with two handles

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Engine Revolution Telegraph

• Also called the “propeller order indicator/transmitter”– Enables lee helmsman to

make minor changes in speed

– Shows revolutions per minute (RPM) of engine

• Located near the EOT• Table of RPM per knot is

posted nearby• When not in use, ERT is set

to “999”– Indicates ship is on

“maneuvering bells” (EOT)