A Helmsman, sometimes called Wheelman or Steersman, must be able to execute and understand the steering orders given by the Conning Officer. A Conning officer can be the Master of the ship; the Officer on Duty; or the Pilot who gives the order to helmsman and control the ship’s navigation. In this sense, the helmsman must be able to understand and execute steering orders; take the manual steering immediately in high traffic density areas and in other circumstances needed; report to the officer any malfunctions on the steering system and be familiar with the steering system used which includes proper procedures in changing over from manual steering to autopilot to the non follow-up mode and vice versa; the ship’s rudder, steering and maneuvering characteristics of the vessel, etc. In my experience as a deck officer, I used to trick my helmsman by giving them sometimes a wheel command that is apparently endangers the vessel and I will see on how the he respond to it. But sad to say that 90% of them will just obey and execute the command without questioning the conning officer. A helmsman must question the order given by a conning officer if he thinks the command is not safe. Like for instance, the conning officer on a heavily loaded ship wishes to alter course hard to starboard. This will lead to a heavy list to starboard and the worst is it could capsize. A helmsman as well must report to the conning officer that the command has been understood before executing it and after it was executed. This will allow the officer to know if the order has been received correctly and executed properly. One of the key to a Safe Navigation is a great teamwork between the conning officer and the helmsman along with the look-out and other members of the bridge team. To know more of Watchkeeping and download the PPT and PDF on Deck watchkeeping, proceed to the Deckwatch Section. You may also like to read the Duties and Responsibility of a Rating forming part of a Navigational Watch >>
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These free downloadable lecture resources in Portable Document Format (PDF) was made available to provide education and training resources to benefit the students and instructors in the Maritime Profession, especially the students of Capitol University particularly the College of Maritime Education and anyone interested in learning the Deck Watch Keeping for Officers. This covers the areas such as Watch arrangements; handing over and taking over the watch; the Duties and Responsibilities of Masters, officers, and ratings in keeping a safe navigational watch; Protection of the Marine Environment; Standard Helm Orders; Competence for duty; the Principles to be observed in keeping navigational watch with or without a Pilot; Maintaining an efficient look-out; Safe Speed; Checks and Maintenance of Navigational Equipments; Compliance with SOLAS Chapter V/19; Conduct of Watch in Clear and in Restricted Visibility; Bridge Team Composition; Maneuvering and Warning Signals; and other information essential in keeping of a Navigational Watch for Deck Officers. It was hoped that these PDF lecture resources in accordance with STCW 95 requirements will give information and guidance on the keeping and maintaining a safe watch at sea. These resources as well are available for free in powerpoint format. Continue to the Deckwatch Section >> This powerpoint presentation explains and summarizes the duties and responsibilities of a Rating forming part of navigational watch. It is essential that Deck officers know the role of Ratings during a watch since these ratings will be working under the watchful eye of the duty officer. When on a navigational duties, a rating must be able to perform efficiently and competently and whether assigned as a Look-out or a helmsman, a rating must be able to keep full attention. The powerpoint presentation also covers Standard Helm Orders and Procedures. Download the free powerpoint or you may also proceed to the main Deck watchkeeping page>> |
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