Question 251General Subjects - 1st Asst/Chief

The correct answer is A) Operation of the main steering gear from within the steering gear compartment utilizing the means of communication between the navigating bridge and the steering gear compartment. This is correct because the 33 CFR regulations require that prior to entering the navigable waters of the United States after an international voyage, the vessel must conduct drills to test the functionality of the steering system, including the operation of the main steering gear from within the steering gear compartment. This ensures that the vessel's steering system is fully operational and that the communication between the bridge and the steering gear compartment is working as intended. The other options, while potentially important for testing the steering system, are not specifically required by the 33 CFR regulations in this context. They may be part of regular maintenance and safety drills, but are not mandatory prior to entering U.S. waters after an international voyage.