How a Ship's Steering Gear Works

Ships' steering gear works in slightly different ways, depending upon the size of the vessel and the sophistication of the gear. Some elements remain essentially common to all types of steering gear, however.

Helm Pump & Steering Cylinder

When the steering wheel of a ship turns one way or the other, it forces hydraulic oil down the hydraulic line. Oil enters the steering cylinder, causing the piston rod to move.

Tiller Arm & Rudder

Movement of the steering cylinder moves the tiller arm, which, in turn, moves the rudder in the desired direction. The rudder actually steers the ship; if the steering wheel turns to starboard (right), for example, the rudder turns the ship in that direction.

Types of Steering Gear

Purely manual hydraulic steering gear relies on the force of the steering wheel to push hydraulic oil into the steering cylinder. In larger, more sophisticated systems this process can occur either with the help of an electric power pack or servo cylinder, or completely under electronic control.

References

• Kobelt: Steering Systems
• Integrated Publishing: Ship's Steering and Speed Control Equipment