Helmsman - Helm Commands

Helm Commands

Helm orders or commands fall into two categories: rudder commands and heading commands. A rudder command dictates changing the angle of the rudder, which is a single-event action. Whereas steering a heading is a comparatively long event and will require ongoing or continuous rudder adjustments.

The following are helm orders used in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard:

Rudder

Midships (Bring rudder angle to 0 degrees)
Check your swing (Counter steer to stop the movement or swing of the ship's bow)
Hard rudder (Used infrequently, such as emergencies, when maximum rudder is required)
Right or left standard rudder (~20 degrees. Varies per ship)
Shift your rudder (Steer the same number of degrees but opposite rudder angle)

Heading