(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.

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 986, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997]