With reference to the 1978 SOLAS Protocol, describe the steering gear test within 12 hours before departure, the emergency steering drills and their frequency for short voyages?

flowchart TD
    A[Within 12 h before departure] --> B[Test main & auxiliary steering gear]
    A --> C[Test remote control systems]
    A --> D[Test bridge steering positions]
    A --> E[Test emergency power supply]
    A --> F[Check rudder angle indicators]
    A --> G[Check alarms]
    A --> H[Full rudder movement]
    A --> I[Visual inspection]
    A --> J[Test bridge–steering comms]
    K[Every 3 months] --> L[Emergency steering drill]
    L --> M[Direct control in compartment]
    L --> N[Bridge comms procedure]
    L --> O[Alternative power supplies]
    P[Short voyages] --> Q[Tests: weekly]
    P --> R[Drills: every 3 months]

• Pre-departure test window: within 12 hours before departure
• Test scope: main steering gear, auxiliary steering gear, remote control systems, bridge steering positions, emergency power supply, rudder angle indicators vs actual, power failure alarms, automatic isolating arrangements
• Checks: full rudder movement, visual inspection of gear and linkage, bridge–steering compartment communication
• Emergency drill frequency: at least once every 3 months
• Drill scope: direct control in steering compartment, bridge communication procedure, alternative power supplies
• Short-voyage waiver: tests in (a) may be weekly; drill in (b) remains at least every 3 months
• Governing instrument: SOLAS V/26