6. ORDERS TO THE HELMSMAN
6. ORDERS TO THE HELMSMAN
Orders to the helmsman, who steers the ship, are given by the officer of the watch. The officer orders the helmsman to turn the wheel (or helm) to port or starboard and to steady the ship on the new compass course. It is started as a compass point or in three-figure notation in degrees. The helmsman repeats all orders given to him so that the officer knows that his orders have been understood.
When the helmsman has completed his turn at the wheel, he states clearly the course to be steered to be relieving helmsman. He also repeats that course to the officer of the watch when reporting that he has been relieved.
When this ship is on voyage, the wind and waves, as well as the action of the propeller, tend to cause the direction in which the ship is heading to change. The helmsman, therefore, must counter the swing of the ship by applying the rudder in the reverse direction of that of the swing of the ship.
The art of steering a ship requires the helmsman to keep a very close watch on the compass and to turn the wheel as soon as the compass indicates that the ship is turning off course. An experienced helmsman is able to anticipate how the ship behaves. He is, therefore, able to keep the ship on a straight course, and so save time on voyage. Most ships are equipped with a magnetic compass the action of which is dependent upon the magnetism of the earth. The rudder fitted at the stern of the ship is turned by steering engine. It is operated by the helmsman whenever he turns the wheel. If the steering engine fails, it is necessary to use an emergency steering system with which every ship must be equipped.
1) helmsman
2) compass course
3) gyrocompass
4) magnetic compass
5) emergency steering
a) it is stated in three-figure notations in degree
b) it’s action is depended upon the magnetism of the earth
c) person who steers the ship
d) it is necessary to use if the ship’s steering engine fails
e) it is an electromechanical instrument
1) The helmsman does not repeat each order given to him.
2) The wind, waves, and the action of the propeller do not affect the ship’s direction.
3) The rudder is fitted at the stern of the ship.
4) The officer of the watch gives orders.
5) Every ship must be equipped with an emergency steering system.
1) To whom does the helmsman repeat the orders he receives?
2) What does the helmsman do when he completes his turn at the wheel?
3) What turns the rudder of a ship?
4) What will happen if the steering engine fails?
5) How does a helmsman counter the swing of a ship?