(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]