Testing the Gear

[James Curry]

Who remembers pre sea sailing checks.

Things like the Telegraph, the Steering gear, Bridge to engine room phones and the Ships whistle.

I wonder do they still do those manditory checks.




look no Brakes.jpg

Wonder what happened here then? Maybe a steering gear failure.

[happy daze john in oz]

Maybe it should have been in reverse at that time.

[Ivan Cloherty]

Who remembers pre sea sailing checks.

Things like the Telegraph, the Steering gear, Bridge to engine room phones and the Ships whistle.

I wonder do they still do those manditory checks.

Wonder what happened here then? Maybe a steering gear failure.

I remember those well, as a cadet it was an honour to do them and have control of the ships whistle and give it the longest blast you dare without upsetting the Chief or second engineer when on a steam whistle, who would come rushing to the bridge to find out which little t*at had been wasting his steam

look no Brakes.jpg

Another inspiration for a song "I just called to say I love you"

[John Arton]

James
They certainly do. Been a few years since I retired but we had a set procedure for pre sailing tests to be carried out prior to departure. Engines tested astern and ahead mode, that tested the telegraph, (bridge control ship), steering gear tested with communication to steering gear flat, with rudder amounts reported from steering gear flat and gear tested using both steering motors individually, steering compass in flat checked against bridge steering compass, times synchronised, whistle tested then all electronics set up, radars, A.I.S, E.C.D.I.S chart display , GMDSS updau with correct vessel state.
Plus log book entry stating all equipment tested and in working order.
Rgds
J.A