A helmsman or helm is a person who steers a ship, sailboat, submarine,
other type of maritime vessel, 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.In the merchant navy, the person at the helm is
usually an able seaman, particularly during ship arrivals, departures,
and while maneuvering in restricted waters or other conditions
requiring precise steering. An ordinary seaman is commonly restricted
to steering in open waters. Moreover, military ships may have a seaman
or quartermaster at the helm.A professional helmsman maintains a
steady course, properly executes all rudder orders, and communicates
to the officer on the bridge using navigational terms relating to
ship's heading and steering. A helmsman relies upon visual references,
a magnetic and gyrocompass, and a rudder angle indicator to steer a
steady course. The mate or other officer on the bridge directs the
helmsman aboard merchant or navy ships.Clear and exact communication
between the helmsman and officer on the bridge is essential to safe
navigation and ship handling. Subsequently, a set of standard steering
commands, responses by the helmsman, and acknowledgment by the conning
officer are widely recognized in the maritime industry. The helmsman
repeats any verbal commands to demonstrate that the command is heard
and understood. The International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requires that a
helmsman be able to understand and respond to helm orders in English. Helmsman Biography, NetWorth, Height, Age, Weight, Family, Married, Son, Daughter