QUESTION 10.1.2

Testing propulsion, steering, thrusters and power generation

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Control Room, Steering Gear

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether machinery required for safe navigation is tested at the correct voyage stages, defects are acted upon and bridge and engine records agree.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

TEST MATRIXThe vessel procedure defines equipment, timing and responsibility for pre-departure, pre-arrival and other critical-point tests.PROPULSIONAhead and astern response, local or remote controls, communications, alarms and relevant auxiliaries are checked.STEERINGMain and auxiliary steering, control positions, communications, power units, alarms and emergency arrangements are tested within required intervals.POWERRequired generators, standby machinery and automatic functions are available for manoeuvring demand.BRIDGE AGREEMENTBridge and engine-room checklists, telegraph records and logbook times are consistent.DEFECT RESPONSEAny failed test has an immediate risk assessment, notification, repair or operating restriction before the vessel proceeds.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1When were steering-gear tests last completed and who participated?

Show the dated bridge and steering-flat records and identify the checks, communications and personnel involved.

2What changes when entering restricted waters?

Bring required propulsion, steering, thruster and electrical redundancy into readiness according to the passage plan and SMS.

3How do you test ahead and astern response safely?

Coordinate with the bridge and deck, confirm clearance and plant readiness, then record actual response under the vessel procedure.

4What happens if one steering power unit fails its test?

Notify the Master, control the defect, assess redundancy and statutory limits, repair or obtain formal authority before sailing.

5How are bridge and engine records reconciled?

Compare time-stamped checklists, logbooks, telegraph or automation records and explain any genuine difference.

Where an observation may arise

MISSED WINDOW

A statutory or company test was late or omitted.

INCOMPLETE TEST

The checklist was signed without testing all fitted control positions, alarms or standby systems.

LOG CONFLICT

Bridge and engine-room records show incompatible times or results.

DEFECT IGNORED

A failed or abnormal result did not trigger control before manoeuvring.

CREW KNOWLEDGE

Responsible officers cannot explain the test sequence or failure response.

Master's practical note

Select the last arrival or departure and reconcile both departments' records. Identical pre-filled times are not persuasive if the actual test sequence cannot be explained.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: Testing intervals and equipment scope depend on SOLAS, coastal-state rules, company procedure and fitted plant. Do not operate machinery merely to demonstrate it when conditions are unsafe.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 10.1.2
SOLAS Chapter V regulation 26
SOLAS Chapter II-1
ICS Bridge Procedures Guide
ICS Engine Room Procedures Guide

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10