46 CFR §182.620
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, a vessel must be provided with an auxiliary means of steering that is:
- (1)Of adequate strength;
- (2)Capable of moving the rudder from 15 degrees on one side to 15 degrees on the other side in not more than 60 seconds with the vessel at one-half its maximum service speed ahead, or 7 knots, whichever is greater; and
- (3)Controlled from a location that permits safe maneuvering of the vessel and does not expose the person operating the auxiliary means of steering to personnel hazards during normal or heavy weather operation.
- (b)A suitable hand tiller may be acceptable as the auxiliary means of steering where satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI.
- (c)An auxiliary means of steering need not be provided if:
- (1)The main steering gear and its controls are provided in duplicate;
- (2)Multiple screw propulsion, with independent pilothouse control for each screw, is provided, and the vessel is capable of being steered using pilothouse control;
- (3)No regular rudder is fitted and steering action is obtained by a change of setting of the propelling unit; or
- (4)Where a rudder and hand tiller are the main steering gear.