(a) Each vessel must have a steering failure alarm system that actuates an audible and visible alarm in the pilothouse when the actual position of the rudder differs by more than 5 degrees from the rudder position ordered by the followup control systems, required by part 58, subpart 58.25, of this chapter, for more than:
(1) 30 seconds for ordered rudder position changes of 70 degrees;
(2) 6.5 seconds for ordered rudder position changes of 5 degrees; and
(3) The time period calculated by the following formula for ordered rudder positions changes between 5 degrees and 70 degrees:
t = (R/2.76) + 4.64
Where
t = maximum time delay in seconds
R = ordered rudder change in degrees
(b) The alarm system must be separate from, and independent of, each steering gear control system, except for input received from the steering wheel shaft.
[CGD 74-125A, 47 FR 15272, Apr. 8, 1982, as amended by CGD 94-108, 62 FR 23910, May 1, 1997; USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58348, Sept. 30, 2004]