Question 34 3AE02 - Third Assistant Engineer (Alt)

The Correct Answer is A. ### Why Option A is Correct **A) Align the trick wheel to the rudder angle position before engaging** When transferring steering control from the wheelhouse (remote control) to local control (steering gear room), the local control mechanism (often involving a trick wheel or equivalent local helm) must be synchronized with the current position of the rudder. The trick wheel acts as the local steering input device. If it is engaged without being aligned to the actual rudder angle, turning the wheel might immediately cause the steering gear to drive the rudder to a new, unintended position, resulting in a sudden and dangerous change of ship heading. By aligning the trick wheel to the existing rudder angle first, the transfer is made "bumpless" or smooth, ensuring that the steering mechanism remains stable at the moment control is switched over. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect **B) Set the six-way control valve in the trick wheel position** While setting a control valve is a necessary *procedural step* in transferring control, it is the mechanism that *enables* local control, not the critical *action necessary for safe engagement* of the trick wheel itself. Synchronization (alignment) must occur before or simultaneously with engagement to ensure safety, whereas setting the valve merely directs the hydraulic flow control to the local input device. **C) Open the power transfer switch before engaging the trick wheel** Steering control transfer procedures involve moving control signals (electrical or hydraulic), but generally, power remains on the pump units during the transfer to maintain hydraulic pressure. Opening the main power transfer switch would likely disrupt the entire steering system operation, potentially causing a loss of steering capability, which is contrary to safe operating procedure during a control transfer. **D) Always place the rudder in the amidships position to engage the trick wheel** It is not practical or necessary to require the vessel's rudder to be exactly amidships (0 degrees) every time control is transferred. Transfers often occur while the vessel is maneuvering and the rudder may be hard over. The critical safety step is synchronization (aligning the trick wheel to the **current** rudder angle), regardless of what that angle is. Forcing the rudder amidships would necessitate a temporary course change, defeating the purpose of a smooth control transfer.