Unit-7 Steering control systems

7.1 Explain the principle of an automatic pilot system

Autopilot is the use of an automatic system to control the rudder on the vessel. Use of
autopilot can reduce the fuel consumption by smoothing out the large angle rudder
movements used to hold a steady course.
7.2 Explain the functions of the manual settings
The steering controls of the system can be categorized as Automatic and Manual mode. It
allows the ship to be navigated either in Manual mode or Automatic mode by switching the
controls.
In Manual Mode, the vessel can be hand steered by using the Follow-Up Helm or a Non-Follow
up emergency tiller.
Hand steering is used when the ship is manoeuvring, and navigating in restricted waters,
channels and areas with traffic density traffic density.
NFU tiller when used will move the rudder in a desired direction but not to a specific angle.
This is used in case of emergencies.
The user must be familiar with the procedure of inter-switching from Auto and Manual modes.
7.3 Describe the procedures for changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice
versa
MANUAL TO AUTO
The procedure will differ from equipment to equipment, but the common generic points are:
1. Set the auto steering controls as required for the given weather and loading conditions.
Turn the auto-course setting pointer to the course to be steered.
2. Steer the vessel by hand until she is dead steady on the course to be steered.
3. Keep the rudder exactly amidship. Ensure this by observing the rudder indicator.
4. At this instant, the ship course should be dead steady and swinging off the course at all.
5. Turn the Auto manual switch to auto.
6. Switch on the Off Course Alarm and set it as desired.
7. Observe the steering to confirm that the rudder is being applied correctly when the ship
goes off course.
8. Compare the Gyro and Magnetic compass and record the readings
AUTO TO MANUAL
Turn the mode selector switch from Auto-pilot to hand steering
Steer manually as per the directions of the OOW or the master.
It is also a mandatory requirement of the SOLAS that Autopilot be changed over to ‘Hand
steering” mode and tested under the supervision of Officer of Watch at least once during
every navigational watch at sea and before entering “Coastal/Congested waters”
7.5 Describe the course monitor and the off-course alarm
OFF COURSE ALARM
An audible and visible alarm is activated at the steering position whenever the vessel deviates
from a chosen course by more than a preset amount (in degrees). A Heading Monitor is an
important aid to safety at sea and is a requirement of IMO whenever an autopilot is installed.
7.6 Describe the operation of the course recorder log
GYRO COURSE RECORDER
It records the Gyro course steered by the vessel continuously against a time scale.
The record is considered as useful and vital evidence in case of any accident.
The equipment is set at the commencement of a voyage with correct time and then switched
on for operation.
Once set, the course recorder records the Gyro course steered on a specially designed paper
throughout the voyage.
The course recorder receives a feed from the ships Master Gyro Compass
The recording paper is a specially formatted thermal paper hence an inkless stylus is used to
mark the course steered,
Paper is fed by a paper feed DC motor.
7.13 Explain Wheel House posters and the use of Rate of Turn Indicator (ROTI)
WHEEL HOUSE POSTER
The Wheelhouse Poster is a large document posted in a conspicuous area on the bridge. It
contains the general particulars of the ship, engine characteristics, and stopping distances in
laden and ballast conditions
The poster should be easy to read and understand and should be prominently displayed in the
wheelhouse or other appropriate locations on the vessel. Let’s take a closer look at the
information that can be found on the poster, which is normally placed on the most visible and
easy-to-access places on the ship’s bridge.
The topmost information of the wheelhouse poster would be the particulars of the ship. This
includes the Ship’s name, call sign, gross tonnage, and net tonnage. More detailed information
like summer and winter displacement, freeboard, and deadweight information can be found in
the Pilot card and general ship’s particulars.
The next part of the poster would be the drafts of the vessel, steering particulars, and anchor
chain data. Drafts can either be in loaded/ballast condition or departure drafts and arrival
drafts. This is used by Pilots to make sure the ship has enough under keel clearance and is
away from shallow water.
RATE OF TURN INDICATOR
The rate of turn indicator is equipment which indicates the instantaneous rate at which the
ship is turning.
This indicator is fed 60 to 200 pulses per minute from the steering repeater and from this
input it works out the instantaneous rate of turn.
The dial is marked usually 0O to 60O on either side. As per IMO performance standard the dial
should be marked not less than 0O to 30O per minute on either side and graduated in intervals
of 1O per minute.
As we know that when ship turn she actually traverses some distance round the arc of a circle
and cannot execute a sharp turns about a point.
When ship is making a turn it precise the ship track uncertain due to her characteristic,
condition, weight and UKC.
Therefore navigator uses the touch of ship track during the turn that is uncertain of position
until the ship is steadied on the new course.
IMO recommends for passage planning is not only monitor the position on straight course but
also on curve section of passage. This can be achieved by the technique called radius turn by
the help of ROTI and ship’s log.