(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, a vessel must be provided with an auxiliary means of steering that is:
(1) Of adequate strength;
(2) Capable of moving the rudder from 15 degrees on one side to 15 degrees on the other side in not more than 60 seconds with the vessel at one-half its maximum service speed ahead, or 7 knots, whichever is greater; and
(3) Controlled from a location that permits safe maneuvering of the vessel and does not expose the person operating the auxiliary means of steering to personnel hazards during normal or heavy weather operation.
(b) A suitable hand tiller may be acceptable as the auxiliary means of steering where satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI.
(c) An auxiliary means of steering need not be provided if:
(1) The main steering gear and its controls are provided in duplicate;
(2) Multiple screw propulsion, with independent pilothouse control for each screw, is provided, and the vessel is capable of being steered using pilothouse control;
(3) No regular rudder is fitted and steering action is obtained by a change of setting of the propelling unit; or
(4) Where a rudder and hand tiller are the main steering gear.
[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 986, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997]
authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1
source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 986, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 182.620