Steering Control Modes
Three distinct modes are commonly fitted to yachts and small ships:
Hand (manual) steering — a helmsman controls the wheel directly; the steering gear responds to wheel input alone. Full human attention is on course-keeping.
Autopilot (automatic steering) — a gyro or fluxgate compass feeds a course error signal to the steering gear, which applies corrective rudder without helmsman input. The OOW must monitor heading, traffic, and the autopilot itself.
Non-Follow-Up (NFU) control — a tiller lever or push-button applies rudder directly and holds it there until released; there is no feedback loop. Used for manoeuvring or when follow-up circuits fail. Distinct from both hand and auto modes.
When to Use Which
| Situation | Preferred mode |
|---|---|
| Congested or restricted waters | Hand steering |
| Reduced visibility | Hand steering |
| Open ocean, steady conditions | Autopilot permissible |
| Steering gear fault, emergency | NFU |
SOLAS and the oral examination syllabus (underpinned by MSN 1858) assess that a competent helmsman is able to take over steering immediately whenever the vessel is in or near a traffic separation scheme, in reduced visibility, or when navigational hazards are present. The autopilot must be disengaged and hand steering engaged before the situation demands it — not in reaction to it.
Manual to Auto (and Auto to Manual) Changeover
The critical principle is that changeover must be completed before the ship's head starts to deviate. Both transfers carry risk:
- Auto → Manual: If the autopilot has been holding a course in a seaway, accumulated rudder may be applied; the helmsman must be ready for initial helm feel before the vessel responds.
- Manual → Auto: The autopilot must be set to the actual compass course being steered at the moment of transfer, or the system will immediately apply corrective rudder to chase the preset course.
Key steps (auto → manual):
- Inform the helmsman of the course to steer.
- Helmsman takes the wheel and steadies on course.
- Disengage autopilot only once helmsman confirms ready.
- Verify heading is maintained; log the changeover.
Key steps (manual → auto):
- Set autopilot reference course to match the current steering compass heading.
- Engage autopilot.
- Monitor for the first few minutes — confirm heading is held and no excessive rudder cycling.
- Log the changeover.
Examiner's Distinction: Autopilot vs NFU
Candidates frequently confuse these. The autopilot seeks and maintains a reference heading autonomously. NFU holds rudder at a commanded angle with no course-seeking feedback — it is a direct-drive, no-reference-course system. Knowing this distinction tells an examiner the candidate understands the underlying control loop, not just the label.