Rudder Inspections And Test Carried Out In Dry Dock
> Visual inspection of rudder plating for cracks.
> Air plugs and drain plugs are opened in front of the class surveyor. when water drains out it indicates crack in the rudder.
> So crack is detected by air pressure and applying soap solution.
> Check for rudder drop using trammel gauge.
> Check for jumping clearance, palm coupling bolt tightness and pintle clearance.
> Check the rudder stock for corrosion, erosion.
> Now the lower portion of rudder is cut open and the pintle nut is checked for proper securing and later the plates are welded and tested.
> Hydraulic test the rudder for a static head of about 2.45 m of sea water.
> After draining and oiling the internals, plug the drain and check the effectiveness by a vacuum check and cement plug.
> The rudder stock gland packing has to be checked and renewed.