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Gard Guidance Masters

2.13.3.6 CHECK OF NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, PROPULSION AND STEERING ELEMENTS

The Master should ensure that all navigation aids, including communication devices, are available, the vessel’s propulsion and steering systems are fully operational and their operation and handling fully understood by the officers in charge. It is vital to check for any steering gear problems before the commencement of the voyage and before entering confined waters, to prevent a sudden failure and subsequent grounding, collision or damage to FFO. If the rudder does not respond to wheel over checks as it should do, there may be a problem and appropriate action must be taken.