Steering Gear

Ships of all sizes are steered by a rudder, but the rudder’s movements are reliant on a system called the steering gear. This gear enables the rudder to turn, and therefore so too, the vessel, both at sea / when sailing, or when maneuvering. . Standard requirements decree that the steering gear should be capable of steering the ship from 35 degrees port to 35 degrees starboard, and vice versa, while the vessel is moving forwards at a steady rate of knots.

Generally speaking there are two types of commonly-used steering gear systems: hydraulic steering gear systems and electro-hydraulic steering gear systems.  Consisting of three main components including a power unit, a control unit and transmission to the rudder stock, both transmit a torsional force to the rudder stock - the equipment that operates the rudder.

Steering gears only work when the vessel is in motion and not when stationary.