Watchkeeping
The steering-gear test remains due within 12 hours before departure; a short-voyage waiver exists only when granted by the Administration and accompanied by at least weekly checks.
Operational Explanation
SOLAS V/26 requires steering-gear checks and tests within 12 hours before departure. For ships regularly engaged on short voyages the Administration may waive the pre-departure check only if checks and tests are carried out at least weekly. Passage length alone does not create the waiver.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS V/26.1: test within 12 hours; possible Administration waiver for regular short voyages with at least weekly frequency. STCW, MLC, the SMS and the ship's statutory arrangement remain applicable.
Scope of Application
Every departure subject to SOLAS V/26. Apply the ordinary branch unless the ship holds documented evidence of the Administration's waiver for its regular short-voyage service.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Check the statutory arrangement, SMS and existence of a formal waiver.
- Without a waiver complete steering-gear checks and tests within 12 hours before departure.
- With a waiver comply with its scope and conditions and test at least weekly.
- Record result, defects and corrective action in the ship's prescribed record.
- Do not change STCW/MLC checks on watch composition and fitness.
Practical Example
A ship makes a short daily passage: the team does not presume exemption and uses the pre-departure test until its statutory arrangement documents the weekly waiver.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Treating 12 hours as the only possible arrangement or, conversely, inferring the waiver automatically from a short distance.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Treating 12 hours as the only possible arrangement or, conversely, inferring the waiver automatically from a short distance. | Incorrect operational decision or regulatory status | Use the primary reference and ship-specific procedure |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Separate the general rule from the formal waiver.
- Do not use estimated duration as proof of a short-voyage waiver.
- Keep records under the SMS and statutory requirements.
Preparation checklist
- Test within 12 hours or documented waiver
- Waiver limited to regular short voyages
- At least weekly checks if waived
- Records and defects managed
- STCW/MLC unchanged
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 31 August 2026 · page fingerprint ee67f7afb72f