USCG Exam PracticeAuxiliary machinery and shipboard systems
Under 46 CFR §58.25-70, the main steering gear must provide full followup control from the pilothouse. Which of the following correctly describes 'full followup control' as defined in 46 CFR §58.25-5?
- A. Control that allows the helmsman to manually move the tiller directly without hydraulic assistance.
- ✓ Closed-loop feedback control that relates helm position to a specific rudder angle and automatically stops the rudder when the selected angle is reached.Correct
- C. Open-loop control that transmits helm orders to the power actuating system without automatic rudder position feedback.
- D. Non-followup control from the pilothouse that moves the rudder only while the helm is actively deflected.
Why B is correct
46 CFR §58.25-5 defines full followup control as closed-loop (feedback) control that relates the position of the helm to a specific rudder angle by transmitting the helm-angle order to the power actuating system and, by means of feedback, automatically stopping the rudder when the angle selected by the helm is reached. Non-followup control is a supplementary, not primary, arrangement.