---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 182.620"
title: "46"
number: "182.620"
heading: "Auxiliary means of steering."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/182.620"
---

# §182.620. Auxiliary means of steering.

- (a) Except as provided in [paragraph (c)](#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.

## Notes

### Amendments

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

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 986, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

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