Helm Commands

Question 1

Standard rudder

Answer 1

Amount used to turn ship on tactical diameter commonly 20 degrees

Question 2

Right/left degrees rudder

Answer 2

Apply ordered rudder followed by a “steady on course xxx” helmsman will pass course in 10 degree increments

Question 3

Increase rudder

Answer 3

Increase rudder the ordered degrees

Question 4

Ease rudder

Answer 4

Return (half) amount of rudder currently applied or ordered

Question 5

Amidships

Answer 5

Rudder placed at zero.

Question 6

Meet her

Answer 6

Use rudder to check swing of the ship

Question 7

Steady as she goes

Answer 7

Steer the course currently headed or ordered course

Question 8

Shift your rudder

Answer 8

Move rudder same angle opposite direction

Question 9

Nothing to the right/left of course

Answer 9

Steer nothing to right or left of ordered course

Question 10

How’s your rudder

Answer 10

Helmsman replies “my rudder is left/right xxx degrees”

Question 11

Mark your head

Answer 11

Helmsman states the heading of the ship, “mark xxx”

Question 12

Command

Answer 12

Repeat order or do not understand

Question 13

Steer on

Answer 13

Helmsman steers on range or object identified by conn

Question 14

Mind your helm

Answer 14

Helmsman to pay closer attention to his/her steering