STANDARD HELM COMMAND DEFINITIONS Provided by boatswainsmate.net The following are “Standard Helm Commands” which are the same except for minor variations from ship to ship. They are used frequently and in combination with each other. The Helmsman is the person who physically steers the ship. The helmsman repeats each command back to the conning officer before executing the command. This is done to ensure that the helmsman fully understands the command. If you are in doubt as to whether you heard the command correctly, your response shall be “command”. The Conning Officer will repeat the given command. Upon repeating the command you shall execute the given command. After executing the command you shall advise the conning officer that the command was executed. This informs the conning officer that the command has been executed. The conning officer shall respond with “very well” if an officer, or with “aye aye” if an enlisted person. Every response to the conning officer will be followed by sir/ma’am as appropriate, unless the conning officer is enlisted, in which case only the proper response is required. All of the commands listed below will follow the procedure described above. Only the first command gives an example of the complete procedure. For the remaining commands only the command and execution will be described. COMMAND “Come right (left) to ______” HELMSMAN’S RESPONSE “Come right (left) to_ Aye aye sir/ma’am.” EXECUTION Put over the rudder right (left)and steady on the specified course. You must use the Rudder Angle Indicator and the Gyro or Magnetic Compass to complete this command. HELMSMAN’S RESPONSE “Steady on course sir/ma ‘am.” CONNING OFFICER’S RESPONSE “Very well” or “aye aye”. COMMAND “Right (left) five (ten, etc.) degrees rudder.” EXECUTION Turn the wheel/joy stick to the right (left) until the rudder is placed at the number of degrees ordered. Use the rudder angle indicator as your guide. COMMAND “Right (left) standard rudder.” EXECUTION Put the rudder over to the right (left) the specified number of degrees necessary for the ship to make a standard tactical diameter turn. This is normally 15 or 20 degrees for most Coast Guard Cutters. COMMAND “Right (left) full rudder.” EXECUTION Put the rudder over to the right (left) the specified number of degrees necessary for the ship to make a reduced standard tactical diameter turn. This is normally 30 degrees for most Coast Guard Cutters.STANDARD HELM COMMAND DEFINITIONS Provided by boatswainsmate.net COMMAND “Hard right (left) rudder.” EXECUTION Put the rudder over to the right (left) to the maximum number of degrees allowed for your vessel. This is normally 35 degrees for most Coast Guard Cutters. This command is used only in emergency situations such as to avoid collision. You should ensure that the rudder angle indicator is used when executing this command. Bad damage to the steering gear can occur if the rudder is put over too far. COMMAND “Right (left) handsomely.” EXECUTION Turn the rudder a small amount to the right (left). Use the rudder angle indicator when executing this command. This command is given when a very slight change of course is desired. COMMAND “Increase your rudder to degrees.” EXECUTION Increase the rudder angle to the specified number of degrees. This command is given when the rudder is already over to the right (left). Use the rudder angle indicator when executing this command. COMMAND “Ease your rudder to degrees.” EXECUTION Decrease the rudder angle to the specified number of degrees right (left). Given when the ship is turning with right (left) rudder, and is turning toward or nearing the desired heading. Use the rudder angle indicator when executing this command. If the conning officer gives this command without specifying the number of degrees, you will ease the rudder by half. For example, if your rudder is at right/left 20 degrees, you would ease your rudder to right/left 10 degrees. COMMAND “Rudder amidships.” EXECUTION Put the rudder on the zero (0) degree mark of the rudder angle indicator. This command is given when the ship is turning, and it is desired to make it swing less rapidly. COMMAND “Meet her.” EXECUTION Use enough opposite rudder angle to stop the swing of the vessel without steadying on a particular course. This command is usually given when the vessel is nearing the desired course during a large turn. Also, it will normally be followed by the command(s) “steady as you go” or “steady on course COMMAND “Shift your rudder.” EXECUTION Change from right (left) rudder (or vice versa) an equal amount. For example, if the rudder is 15 degrees left then you shall shift to right 15 degrees rudder. Use the rudder angle indicator when executing this command.STANDARD HELM COMMAND DEFINITIONS Provided by boatswainsmate.net COMMAND “Steady, or steady as you go. EXECUTION Steer the course on which the ship is heading when the command is received. If the ship is swinging to the right (left) when the command is given, the heading must be noted, and the vessel brought back to that course. This command may also be given after the command to “mark your head”. If the conning officer wants to steer the course that was called off by the helmsman then he will give the command “steady, or steady as you go” will be given. COMMAND “Mark your head. “ EXECUTION Sound off to the conning officer the ships heading at the time the command was given. The heading number is read from the compass card at the lubber’s line. For example, Mark _____ degrees gyro/true/magnetic as appropriate. COMMAND “How is your rudder?” EXECUTION This is a question, and the helmsman should reply with the exact location of the rudder at the time the command was given. For example, my rudder is _____ degrees right (left) sir. COMMAND “Mind your helm.” EXECUTION A warning that the ship is swinging off the course because of bad steering. It is also a command to steer exactly, using less rudder. If the helmsman suspects that there is a problem with the steering mechanism, the conning officer shall immediately be advised by sounding off “steering casualty”. COMMAND “Nothing to the right (left) of _____.” EXECUTION This command advises the helmsman not to steer to the right (left) of the course ordered. The command is given when a danger is present on one side of the vessel. For example there is a coral reef 500 yards off the ship’s port bow. The helmsman should immediately advise the conning officer if off course to the right (left). Also, advise the conning officer what corrective action you are taking. For example, “five degrees off course to the right (left), correcting with right (left) five degrees rudder”. COMMAND “Keep her so.” EXECUTION This command means to continue to steer the present course, or to maintain the rudder in its present position.STANDARD HELM COMMAND DEFINITIONS Provided by boatswainsmate.net HELMSMAN’S RESPONSE “Aye aye.” DEFINITION This response means the order was understood, and you will complete the action required to carry out (complete) the order. “Aye aye is sounded of f by the helmsman after repeating each and every command from the conning officer. This informs the conning officer that you fully understood the command, and will carry it out. HELMSMAN’S RESPONSE “Command.” DEFINITION Given by the helmsman when the command from the conning officer is unclear or misunderstood. Also, when the helmsman believes an improper command was given. For example, the conning officer orders left ten degrees rudder when a vessel is fifty yards off your ship’s port bow. CONNING OFFICER’S RESPONSE “Very well.” DEFINITION Given after a report by the helmsman to let the helmsman know the conning officer understands the report. If the conning officer is enlisted the response to the helmsman will be “Aye aye”. PROCEDURE FOR SOUNDING OFF PASSINGS When the helmsman is making a large turn, the compass headings will be sounded off to the conning officer every five to ten degrees. For example, passing 320, passing 330, passing 340 etc. This is done so that the conning officer can tell how far and fast the vessel is swinging, and allows for corrective action if required. The term “passing” is not a helm command, but is standard operating procedure on most Coast Guard Cutters. If used aboard your ship you will automatically sound off “passings”, unless directed otherwise. The conning officer will sound off “belay your passings”, if they are not needed. Remember compass headings and courses are always stated in three distinct digits.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Sep 2013 12:26:45 +0000
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