helmsman
Sign in to savethumb|right|200px|The bridge of the Cargo ship|freighter shown here has two steering stands. This redundancy is a safety measure in case one of the steering mechanisms that control the ship's rudder fails.
Article
9 sectionsContents
- Helm commands
- Acquired skills
- Ship simulators
- On the job training
- Relieving the helm
- Merchant vessels
- See also
- Notes
- References
thumb|right|200px|The bridge of the Cargo ship|freighter shown here has two steering stands. This redundancy is a safety measure in case one of the steering mechanisms that control the ship's rudder fails.
A helmsman or helm (sometimes driver or steersman) is a person who steers a ship, sailboat, submarine, other type of maritime vessel, airship, or spacecraft. The rank and seniority of the helmsman may vary: on small vessels such as fishing vessels and yachts, the functions of the helmsman are combined with that of the skipper; on larger vessels, there is a separate officer of the watch who is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and gives orders to the helmsman, who physically steers the ship in accordance with those orders.