【Port】 Requirement for All-around rudder angle indicator// Port of Houston, USA

The 'HOUSTON PILOTS Navigation Safety Guidelines for the Houston Ship Channel' were updated on December 11, 2024, and from January 1, 2025, widebody container ships will be required to be equipped with all-around rudder angle indicators. Details are provided below.

Applicable date : from 1st Jan. 2025

Applicable vessel : widebody container vessel. A widebody vessel is defined as any vessel type with a beam of 120 ft(≒ 36.5m) and over.

Requirement: widebody container vessels intending to transit the Houston Ship Channel
above B-18 bouy during hours of darkness shall be installed with an all-around rudder angle indicator. The all-around rudder angle indicator should clearly show in degrees the position and direction of the rudder or rudders and be mounted on overhead panels located close to the forward bulkhead as possible for efficient view by the Pilot at a centerline conning station. 

The image of the all-around rudder angle indicator is below.

Please note that this requirement has already applied for widebody bulk carrier and tankers.

For more detail, please find attached guideline and Marine Advisory from LISCA.