Steering a course: compass, rudder and autopilot change-over
1The lesson in plain words
Steer the ordered course with small rudder, check the swing early, and change between autopilot and hand steering only on the OOW’s order.
Course orders
To steer a compass course, the OOW gives the direction to turn and then the course figure by figure: ‘Starboard, steer two three five.’ Repeat it, bring the ship round steadily, and when she is steady report ‘Steady on two three five.’ The OOW acknowledges. You may also be told to ‘steer on’ a buoy or other mark.
Which compass
You normally steer by a gyro compass repeater, a display of the ship’s gyro heading. The gyro points to true north and needs power. The magnetic compass works without power and is the backup. Use the compass and course the OOW specifies. Tell the OOW if the two compasses start to disagree.
Steering well
Use small rudder and check the swing early: the ship keeps turning after you move the wheel back. Watch how fast the heading changes, not only the heading itself. Note how much rudder she needs to hold the course, for example ‘carrying five port’ against wind or sea, and say it at the handover. If she needs more and more rudder, or does not answer the wheel, report at once.
Autopilot and hand
The autopilot holds a heading automatically. Change control only on the OOW’s order and under the officer’s supervision, following the posted console instructions. To return to autopilot, steady the ship on the ordered course. Confirm and set the OOW’s ordered heading. Engage autopilot as instructed. Check the selected heading, mode indication and that the ship holds the heading. Report the mode and heading. Keep watching until the OOW releases you from the wheel. The steps below cover taking hand control.
2Step by step
Changing from autopilot to hand steering
- 1
Take your place at the wheel; check the heading and the course to steer.
You must know the course before you take control.
- 2
Follow the posted console instructions. Check the actual rudder angle and prepare the wheel or control as those instructions require.
The transfer sequence depends on the fitted equipment.
- 3
On the OOW’s order, select hand steering as the posted console instructions require.
SOLAS V/24: change-over by or under the supervision of the officer.
- 4
Check that the ship answers the wheel.
Proves the steering responds before you rely on it.
- 5
Report: ‘Hand steering, steering two three five.’
Closes the loop: the OOW knows the mode, the course and who is steering.
3Key points
- 1
Course orders: direction of turn first, then each figure: ‘Starboard, steer two three five’.
- 2
Report ‘Steady on …’ when on the ordered course; the OOW acknowledges.
- 3
Small rudder, early checks; watch the rate of swing as well as the heading.
- 4
Change autopilot ↔ hand only on the OOW’s order; report the mode and course.
- 5
Tell the OOW at once if the ship does not answer the wheel.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: I turn the shortest way to the new course, whatever the order says.
Right: Turn in the direction ordered. The OOW chooses the direction for a reason, such as traffic or shallow water.
Wrong: I switch to hand steering myself when I think it is needed.
Right: Tell the OOW. The change-over is made by or under the supervision of the officer.
Wrong: Big rudder gets her back on course quicker.
Right: Big rudder makes her overshoot. Use small rudder and meet the swing early.
5Practice case & exam keys
Course 220° on autopilot. The OOW says: ‘Take the wheel, hand steering.’ Then: ‘Port, steer one nine five.’ What do you do and say?
Show the answer
Check the heading and rudder angle and prepare the controls as the console instructions require. Select hand steering on the OOW’s order, check she answers the wheel, and report ‘Hand steering, steering two two zero.’ Repeat ‘Port, steer one nine five’, turn to port with moderate rudder, slow the turn as she nears 195°, and report ‘Steady on one nine five.’
Exam keys
- Course orders: direction of turn first, then each figure; reply ‘Steady on …’.
- The gyro compass is normal for steering; the magnetic compass is the power-free backup.
- SOLAS V/24: autopilot ↔ hand change-over by or under the supervision of the responsible officer.
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