Q.Do we need to keep the steering gear pumps on once the vessel is alongside ?

Answer 1 Answers

In my opinion, we do not generally need to keep the steering motor on while alongside. But while alongside at a berth/port with current (such as in river ports), it is strongly advised to keep at least one steering motor on.

This would prevent the rudder to move away from its mid-ship position due to current.

If the steering motor is not kept switched on while along side a berth with the strong current, the current may bring the rudder hard over to one side. This may put extra strain on either the forward mooring or aft mooring depending upon to which side the current has put the rudder.

 

Aruna Liyanage

Aruna Liyanage

Jul 22, 2017

From a technical point of view, rudder should not move when both pumps are stopped as isolation valves return to end position (or center position in some designs) which prevents bypassing hydraulic fluid between ram cylinders.

Rajeev Jassal

Jul 31, 2017

I suppose if a force is applied at the rudder (like the force of the current), the rudder would move. I am not sure about the technical part but I saw the rudder move with the current if steering motors are stopped. Would check that again sometimes.