Before sailing, the so-called "rudder alignment" followed the previous statement. In fact, according to SOLAS regulations, it should be called "steering device test".

secundum usum

SOLAS Chapter 5 Article 26 Steering Gear: Tests and Exercises

Before the ship sails 12 h, the crew shall inspect and test the steering gear. The test procedure (if applicable) shall include the following operations:

. 1 main steering gear;

.2 auxiliary steering gear;

.3 Steering gear remote control system;

.4 Steering position in the cab;

.5 emergency power supply;

.6 rudder angle indicator relative to the actual position of the rudder;

.7 Power failure alarm of steering gear remote control system;

.8 Fault alarm of steering gear power equipment; and

.9 Automatic partition device and other automatic equipment.

2 Inspection and test shall include:

. 1 Conduct full rudder test according to the required rudder capability;

.2 Visually inspect the steering gear and its connecting rod components; and

.3 Working test of communication means between cab and steering engine room.

The date and details of the test shall be recorded.

Specific tests shall be carried out as follows:

1. Two steering engines (servo motors) respectively carry out full rudder-forward rudder-reverse rudder full rudder test, and check all steering angle indicators;

2. Communication test;

3. Power loss test of steering gear