The task of the helmsman is to steer the ship precisely according to the instructions of the

officer of the watch.

1. The main standard helm orders and their meanings
Midships: Put the wheel to the midships position, and the rudder into a fore-and- aft position.
Port: Put the wheel and rudder half way between midships and full deflection to port.
Hard-a-port: put the wheel and rudder as far over to port as will give the maximum turning
effect.
Port 5: Turn the wheel to 5 degrees deflection of the rudder to port.
Port 10: Turn the wheel to 10 degrees deflection of the rudder to port.
Note: orders are given in the same way for Starboard as for Port
Steady: Notice the ships heading at once, and turn the wheel against the direction of the
ships swing. Bring the ship to the heading she was on when the order Steady was given.
(Note: sometimes the order Meet her is given, with the same intention of straightening the
ships course.)
Steady as she goes: Maintain the present course or heading
2. How orders are given
Notice the sequence of events that accompany helm orders:
1. The order is given: e.g. Steer 137 degrees.
2. The helmsman immediately repeats the order: Steer 137 degrees, sir.
3. The helmsman carries out the order, and as soon as he has done so (in this example, as
soon as the ship is heading 137), he confirms it: Heading 137 degrees, Sir.