Section 25 in The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction And Survey) Rules, 1974
25. Steering gear.
(1)Every ship shall be provided with efficient main and auxiliary steering gear :Provided that if duplicate steering gear power units and their connections are fitted to the satisfaction of the Central Government and each such power unit complies with the requirements of Cl. (c) of sub-rule (2), and the duplicate units and connections operating together comply with the requirements of Cl. (b) of sub-rule (2) the Central Government may dispense with the requirement of providing an auxiliary steering gear on any ship.(2)In every ship-(a)the main steering gear, including the rudder and associated fittings, shall be of adequate strength and sufficient to steer the ship at maximum service speed. The main steering gear and rudder stock shall be so designed that they are not damaged at maximum astern speed;(b)the main steering gear shall be capable of putting the rudder over from 35° on one side to 35° on the other side with the ship running ahead at maximum service speed. The rudder shall be capable of being put over from 35° on either side to 30° on the other side in 28 seconds at maximum service speed;(c)the auxiliary steering gear shall be capable of being brought rapidly into action and shall be of adequate strength and of sufficient power to enable the ship to be steered at navigable speed. In any ship where a rudder stock of over 35.56 centimetres diameter in way of the tiller is required to comply with the requirements of Cl. (a), the auxiliary steering gear shall be operated by power.(3)In every ship, which is fitted with a power operated steering gear, the position of the rudder shall be indicated at the principal steering station.
