SOLAS II-1/29 & V/26 Steering Gear · SOLAS II-1/42–44 Emergency Generator (≤ 45 s Auto-Start) · IACS CIC
Steering Gear (SOLAS II-1/29 & V/26) & Emergency Generator (II-1/42–44) Checklist
Steering gear reliability (SOLAS II-1/29 & V/26) and emergency electrical power readiness (SOLAS II-1/42, 43 & 44) sit at the very top of ISM Code Element 10.3 Critical Equipment, Port State Control detention grounds (IMO Resolution A.1206(34) Appendix 2), and the IACS / MoU Concentrated Inspection Campaigns on Emergency Systems.
Complementing our PMS & Critical Equipment Guide and SOLAS Drill Frequency Guide, this guide covers main (`28 s`) and auxiliary (`60 s`) steering gear performance, 12-hour pre-departure tests (`SOLAS V/26.1`), 3-monthly emergency steering drills (`SOLAS V/26.4`), and emergency generator `≤ 45 s` blackout auto-start, `18 h / 36 h` endurance, dual starting sources & quick-closing valve checks.
Updated · Written by SeaReady in our own words. Not affiliated with OCIMF, RightShip, CDI, any MoU or any administration — always check the current official documents.
1. SOLAS II-1/29 & V/26: Main & Auxiliary Steering Gear Performance, Alarms & Drills
Under SOLAS Chapter II-1 regulation 29 and SOLAS Chapter V regulation 26, every ship must maintain redundant steering capability, bridge-to-steering-flat communications, and documented pre-departure and 3-monthly drills:
| Steering Gear Requirement & Regulation | Statutory Performance / Interval | Onboard Verification & Logbook Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Main Steering Gear Rudder Performance (SOLAS II-1/29.3) | 35° one side to 35° other side at deepest seagoing draught & max ahead service speed; 35° to 30° in ≤ 28 seconds | Under SOLAS regulation II-1/29.3.2, the main steering gear and rudder stock must put the rudder over from 35° on one side to 35° on the other side with the ship at its deepest seagoing draught and running ahead at maximum ahead service speed, and under the same conditions from 35° on either side to 30° on the other side in not more than 28 seconds. |
| Auxiliary Steering Gear Rudder Performance (SOLAS II-1/29.4) | 15° on one side to 15° on the other side in ≤ 60 seconds at deepest seagoing draught & half ahead speed (or 7 knots) | Under SOLAS regulation II-1/29.4.2, the auxiliary steering gear must put the rudder over from 15° on one side to 15° on the other side in not more than 60 seconds with the ship at its deepest seagoing draught and running ahead at one-half of the maximum ahead service speed or 7 knots, whichever is the greater (unless duplicated identical power units meet Reg. 29.6). |
| Steering Gear Power Failure, Phase Failure, Overload & Low-Hydraulic Alarms (SOLAS II-1/29.5.2, 29.8.4 & 29.12 / A.1021(26)) | Audible & visual alarms on navigation bridge & machinery space; automatic restart on power restoration | Any steering gear power unit must start automatically when power is restored after a power failure (Reg. 29.5.2) and be operable from the navigation bridge. Audible and visual alarms must activate on the bridge for power failure, phase failure, overload, control-system power failure, and hydraulic fluid reservoir low-level (Reg. 29.12.2), plus hydraulic tank recharge capability from a fixed storage tank inside the steering gear compartment (Reg. 29.12.3). |
| Pre-Departure 12-Hour Steering Gear Checks & Tests (SOLAS V/26.1 & V/26.2) | Within 12 hours before departure: main/aux gear, remote controls, bridge steering, emergency power, rudder indicators & alarms | Within 12 hours before departure, the crew must check and test the main steering gear, auxiliary steering gear, remote steering gear control systems, steering positions located on the navigation bridge, emergency power supply, rudder angle indicators in relation to the actual position of the rudder, remote control power-failure alarms, power-unit failure alarms, and automatic isolating arrangements (logged in the Deck / Official Log Book under Reg. V/26.6). |
| 3-Monthly Emergency Steering Drills & Operating Instructions (SOLAS V/26.3 & V/26.4) | Emergency steering drills at least once every 3 months; block-diagram changeover instructions permanently displayed | Simple operating instructions with a block diagram showing changeover procedures for remote steering gear control systems and steering gear power units must be permanently displayed on the navigation bridge and in the steering gear compartment (Reg. V/26.3.1). Emergency steering drills must take place at least once every 3 months in order to practise direct control within the steering gear compartment, communications with the navigation bridge, and operation of alternative power supplies (Reg. V/26.4). |
2. SOLAS II-1/42, 43 & 44: Emergency Generator Auto-Start (≤ 45 s), Endurance & Dual Starting
Under SOLAS regulations II-1/42 (passenger ships), II-1/43 (cargo ships), and II-1/44 (starting arrangements), the emergency source of electrical power and transitional battery source must operate automatically upon loss of the main switchboard supply:
| Emergency Power Requirement & Regulation | Statutory Threshold / Standard | PSC & Class Survey Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Generator Auto-Start & Load-Connection Time (SOLAS II-1/42.3.1, 43.3.1 & 44.1) | Automatic start upon loss of main power; connected to emergency switchboard within ≤ 45 seconds (max) | Upon failure of the main source of electrical power, the emergency generator must start automatically, be automatically connected to the emergency switchboard, and transfer the emergency consumers within as short a time as is safe and practicable, subject to a maximum of 45 seconds (SOLAS II-1/42.3.1.2 for passenger ships & II-1/43.3.1.2 for cargo ships). |
| Emergency Power Endurance & Transitional Battery Source (SOLAS II-1/42.2 & II-1/43.2) | 18 hours on cargo ships (SOLAS II-1/43.2); 36 hours on passenger ships (SOLAS II-1/42.2); 30-min transitional battery | The emergency source of electrical power must supply all essential emergency services (emergency lighting, navigation lights, GMDSS, internal communications, fire detection/alarms, emergency fire pump if electrically driven, and steering gear on ships ≥ 10,000 GT for 30 min or 10 min under II-1/29.14) for 18 hours on cargo ships and 36 hours on passenger ships. |
| Dual Starting Arrangements & Cold-Starting Capability (SOLAS II-1/44.1 & II-1/44.2) | Capable of readily starting at 0°C; ≥ 3 consecutive starts on Primary source + 3 additional starts within 30 min on Secondary source | Emergency generating sets must be capable of being readily started in their cold condition at a temperature of 0°C (with heating arrangements where lower temperatures are expected, Reg. 44.1). Stored energy must be protected from critical depletion by the automatic starting system and provide at least 3 consecutive starts, plus a second source of energy providing an additional 3 starts within 30 minutes (or manual starting where demonstrated effective, Reg. 44.2.1). |
| Emergency Generator Fuel Tank Level, Flashpoint & Quick-Closing Valve Independence (SOLAS II-2/4.2.1 & IACS CIC) | Flashpoint ≥ 43°C; sufficient fuel for ≥ 18 h (cargo) / ≥ 36 h (pax) full load; independent quick-closing valve | Ensure the emergency generator fuel tank holds sufficient low-pour-point distillate fuel (MGO) for the full 18-hour / 36-hour statutory period. Under SOLAS II-2/4.2.2.3.4, the remote quick-closing valve on the emergency generator fuel tank must be located outside the space and must NOT be actuated by the same gang-release control that closes the main engine-room fuel tank valves. |
3. Walkaround Inspection Checklist: Steering Flat & Emergency Generator Room
Before every Port State Control, SIRE 2.0, RightShip, or Class annual survey, walk the steering gear compartment and emergency generator room with this checklist:
- Steering Flat Access, Non-Slip Gratings & Handrails (SOLAS II-1/29.13): Ensure the steering gear compartment is free of loose spare parts, oil drums, or paint tins; check that non-slip gratings, guardrails around the ram/tiller, and hydraulic oil save-alls are clean and dry.
- Rudder Angle Indicator Alignment & Gyro Repeater: Put the helm to Port 10°, Port 20°, Midships, Starboard 10°, and Starboard 20° and verify that the bridge rudder angle indicator, steering flat mechanical pointer on the rudder stock, and steering repeater gyro compass agree within ± 1°.
- Emergency Steering Communication & Posted Instructions (SOLAS V/26.3.1): Test the sound-powered / battery-less telephone and headset between the bridge and steering flat (confirming crew can hear clearly with both steering hydraulic pumps running), and verify that laminated block-diagram changeover instructions and the compass-to-helm heading table are posted at the emergency steering position.
- Emergency Generator Blackout Simulation & Tie-Breaker Interlock (SOLAS II-1/43.3 & II-1/44): Test the emergency generator via the blackout simulation test switch on the emergency switchboard (confirming auto-start and breaker closure in ≤ 45 s), verify that the radiator louvres open automatically on start, and test the secondary starting method (hand-hydraulic accumulator or second battery bank) on alternate weeks.
- Emergency Switchboard 440V / 220V / 24V Earth-Fault Lamps & Insulation Resistance: Check that the emergency switchboard insulation resistance (Megger) is well above 1 MΩ (no earth faults on 440V, 220V lighting, or 24V DC transitional battery circuits) and that an approved electrical insulating mat is laid in front of the emergency switchboard.
Questions seafarers ask
What is the difference between Main Steering Gear and Auxiliary Steering Gear rudder speed requirements under SOLAS II-1/29?
Under SOLAS regulation II-1/29.3.2, the Main Steering Gear must be capable of putting the rudder over from 35° on one side to 35° on the other side with the ship at its deepest seagoing draught and running ahead at maximum ahead service speed, and from 35° on either side to 30° on the other side in not more than 28 seconds. Under SOLAS regulation II-1/29.4.2, the Auxiliary Steering Gear must be capable of putting the rudder over from 15° on one side to 15° on the other side in not more than 60 seconds with the ship at its deepest seagoing draught and running ahead at one-half of the maximum ahead service speed or 7 knots, whichever is the greater. Note that when two or more identical steering gear power units are fitted meeting SOLAS II-1/29.6, a separate auxiliary steering gear is not required.
How do Port State Control officers test the emergency generator during a SOLAS II-1/43 & II-1/44 inspection?
During Port State Control and the IACS / MoU Emergency Power focus inspections, the PSCO will not accept a local manual push-button test alone. They require two demonstrations: (1) a blackout simulation test from the emergency switchboard / main-to-emergency tie-breaker tie-trip (verifying that the emergency generator auto-starts, closes its breaker, and takes emergency load within ≤ 45 seconds under SOLAS II-1/43.3.1.2, and returns cleanly when main power is restored); and (2) a demonstration of the secondary starting arrangement under SOLAS II-1/44.2 (e.g., hydraulic hand-pump accumulator, spring starter, or secondary air/battery bank capable of 3 additional starts within 30 minutes).
What must be practised and logged during a 3-monthly SOLAS V/26.4 emergency steering drill?
Under SOLAS regulation V/26.4, emergency steering drills must take place at least once every 3 months. The drill must include direct control within the steering gear compartment (using the local trickle/solenoid valves or emergency hand pump following the posted block diagram under Reg. V/26.3.1), the communications procedure with the navigation bridge (sound-powered telephone and UHF/VHF backup), and where applicable the operation of alternative power supplies. The date, time, participating crew, and power units used must be recorded in the Official Log Book / Deck Log Book (Reg. V/26.6).
Why is the emergency generator fuel tank quick-closing valve a frequent Port State Control detention item?
Under SOLAS regulation II-2/4.2.2.3.4, every fuel oil tank of 500 litres capacity and above situated above the double bottom must have a remote quick-closing valve operable from a safe position outside the space concerned. However, actuation of the remote quick-closing valves for the main engine-room fuel tanks must NOT simultaneously close the quick-closing valve on the emergency generator fuel tank (otherwise pulling the engine-room fire trips would starve the emergency generator during an engine-room fire). Furthermore, if the emergency generator quick-closing valve is found lashed open with wire, jammed with a bolt, or depleted of pneumatic/hydraulic trip pressure, the ship is detained under Action Code 30.
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Related guides
- PMS, critical equipment & class survey guideISM Element 10 PMS, Critical Equipment (§ 10.3), IACS UR Z20 machinery CSM, UR Z7 and 2011 ESP Code surveys.
- Drill frequency on shipsAbandon ship, fire, enclosed space, boats, steering and security drills.
- GMDSS, LRIT, BNWAS & VDR bridge checklistSOLAS Ch. IV MSC.496(105) GMDSS radio log tests, LRIT (A.1206(34) Code 30), BNWAS, 12h steering and VDR.
- LSA & FFA maintenance intervals checklistWeekly, monthly, annual and 5-yearly LSA/FFA maintenance intervals under SOLAS III/20 and MSC.1/Circ.1432.
- PSC action codes (code 30 detention)Code 30 detention vs codes 10, 16 and 17, the Paris MoU tick box, and how a detention is lifted.