Elements and Performance Criteria
- Steer the vessel
- Vessel is steered under the direction of the officer in charge of the watch in response to helm orders and set course
- Vessel's heading is maintained within acceptable limits with respect to the directions of the officer in charge of the watch, given helm orders, the area of navigation, weather and sea condition and tide
- Vessel's steady course is maintained for 10 minutes within two degrees
- Alterations of heading are smooth and controlled
- Communication is clear, concise and acknowledged according to good seamanship practice
- Steering is changed from automatic pilot to manual steering and vice versa in accordance with the directions of the officer in charge of the watch, helm orders, vessel's procedures and manufacturer's instructions
- Safe operating limits of vessel's steering systems are not exceeded
- Steering techniques are consistent with the prevailing weather and sea conditions or possible states of emergency